Classical music - a crash course

This lecture covers three hundred years of great classical music, from the first opera still to be performed today, Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo (1607), through to the work that perhaps more than any other signalled the start of modernism, the ballet The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky (1913).

Progressing through the Baroque, Classical and Romantic eras, Sandy discusses what role music played in each, and illustrates how composers went about the process of shaping their works.

A glossary of key terms and list of essential elements of each era is provided, along with a playlist with details of the musical illustrations used.

How to book this event:

Booking at the venue on the day. Doors and café open from 10.00am. Visitors and new members welcome. Cost £12 payable at the door, refundable if you join as a new member on the day.

THE ARTS SOCIETY ACCREDITED LECTURER

Mr Sandy Burnett

Sandy is one of the UK’s most versatile music commentators, enjoying a career that combines broadcasting, performing and lecturing. After studying at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge and working as music director for the RSC, National Theatre and in London’s West End, Sandy Burnett spent a decade as one of the core team of presenters on BBC Radio 3. Combining engaging scholarship with hands-on expertise, he devises and leads cultural holidays all over the world, is the author of the Idler Guide to Classical Music, is a highly sought after double bassist on the London jazz scene, and was appointed the Academy of Ancient Music’s Hogwood Fellow for the 2018-19 season.