Listening Journals for Music Since 1945

We've finally reached the last day of classes in the spring 2009 semester, and so the students have just published their last listening journal. The music for this journal is perhaps the most unfamiliar to the students and to you, but offers a world of unique sounds, such as this clip from John Oswald's "Plunderphonics" version of Stravinsky's familiar Rite of Spring:

You can read about Plunderphonics in several of the journals this time.

We hope you have enjoyed this semester's exploration of music off the beaten path. And as always, feel free to join in our conversation.

1900-1945 Listening Journals

During Spring Break, diligent music history students spent time writing thought-provoking blog postings instead of relaxing and vacationing. Alright, perhaps they did not spend the entire week listening to music and responding to it in writing, but they certainly put much time and attention into these postings which are among the most provocative they have written. Be certain to go to their blogs, read their thoughts, and join in our conversation about music that often gets overlooked but deserves a second glance.

Romantic Listening Journals

I'm a bit behind this week, but do not want to forget to point you to the Romantic listening journals which are now posted and commented on for your enjoyment. You'll read several takes on Albéniz’s Suites españolas, a give and take on historicity in music through Louis Spohr's Historical Symphony, and be exposed to the fascinating (and undervalued) music of Anthony Philip Heinrich. Go on and read a few. Where else will you learn about The Ornithological Combat of Kings?

Classical Listening Journals

The first round of listening journals is now available from the 352WI students this spring. You'll find a wide variety on the blogroll to your right, from Mozart's flue and harp concerto to a little known opera called The Indian Princess by John Bray. Take a few moments, read some of the responses to these entries especially, and perhaps take the time to join in our ongoing conversation about music.

Welcome to a New Year

It's that time of year again, when schools starts back after a long winter's nap and students are eager to share their learning. And so it is here at 352's blog. This blog is for students involved in a writing intensive course at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Here in a few days I'll list the new blog postings by these intrepid eight students, postings that explore music from Western musical history that perhaps you've never encountered before.

So until that time, take a few minutes and visit their blogs, get to know them. And we'll be back in a few days with a brand new set of musical blogs on the Classical Era.