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Form Analysis Syllabus Spring 2022
Form Analysis Syllabus Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Course Description:
This compulsory theory course centers on the analysis of classical form, focusing primarily
on the instrumental music of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Various analytical techniques
will be investigated in order to be able to analyze large-scale formal designs of entire
movements by the end of the semester. An emphasis will be placed on the development of
critical listening skills required to cultivate an understanding of the relationship between
melodic-motivic material and formal constituents. The repertoire to be analyzed will include
piano sonatas, chamber works and symphonies by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. Selected
works from the Romantic period and the 20th century will also be explored from a form-
analytical perspective. The last class of the semester will focus on the relationship between
form and harmony in rock music based on a recently published theory (see textbook below).
Pre-requisite:
MYL 807E Introduction to Music Theory (or equivalent)
Required Textbook:
Caplin, William E. Analyzing Classical Form: An Approach for the Classroom. New York:
Oxford University Press, 2013.
Other Textbook:
Nobile, Drew. Form as Harmony in Rock Music. New York: Oxford University Press, 2020.
Grading:
Midterm exam (25%)
Final exam (25%)
Assignments (25%) – a total of 4 assignments on harmonic and form analysis
Listening journal (15%) – a short weekly commentary written on a work of your choice
(you need to submit 4 commentaries in total throughout the semester)
Quizzes (10%)
Course Syllabus:
Reading:
Week Topic
Caplin (2013)
7 MIDTERM
11 Binary Form; Minuet and Trio Form; Concerto Form Ch. 18 and 20