The twentieth century offers some of most fascinating and wide-ranging classical music, taking in the perky Neoclassical styles of Paris, the hazy minimalist sounds of New York, the forbidding complexity of the Darmstadt School, and everything in between. While a lot of this music is immediately likeable, some of it may sound unappealing or even nonsensical at first hearing. Either way, understanding it often requires some delving into the deep histories and ideas behind it.
This course offers a comprehensive guide to twentieth-century classical music for the complete beginner, covering many of the major themes of the century in (very) broadly chronological order. You will get to hear some of the iconic, must-hear pieces, but we will also explore some of the less well-known voices as well, making a truly diverse experience. In the process you will discover how all of this music interacts with its historical context and cultural ideas which shaped it, all of which gives the sound its meaning.
The 10-week course (weekly, no class on 1 May) is suitable for people with or without previous knowledge of classical music, though it makes a particularly good next step for those who have already taken the Discovering Classical Music course.
All classes will be supported by a PowerPoint presentation and plenty of audio and video examples of the music, and there will opportunities for discussion around the material too, with all opinions welcome.
This classroom-taught course is offered in partnership with KCWC, but is open to everyone.
This course has a two-step registration process:
1- Book and pay for the course on the Imperial College website (KCWC members use the "Associate" rate):
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/evening-classes/adult-education-courses-summer-2026/classical-music-twentieth-century/
2- Email Eve to let her know you are on the register to be included in communications relating to this course.
For any queries, contact Eve on opera@kcwc.org.uk
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