After the heroic age of the Napoleonic Wars, Europeans turned inward and rediscovered the joys of domesticity, gathering around the piano and singing the latest songs that the music-publishing industry offered in a steady stream. In this course we will explore the songs (“Lieder”) written by German and Austrian composers from Mozart, Schubert, and Schumann to Mahler and beyond. We will also learn about some of the great writers – Goethe, Heine, Eichendorff, Mörike, etc. – who inspired them and whose poems they set to music. No prior musical knowledge or familiarity with the art form is expected.

Format: Each participant will be asked to research and present one of the composers or poets in the course syllabus, providing biographical and historical context, and any other insights that might help us understand the songs. There will be weekly listening assignments (mainly YouTube links).

Resources/Expenses: Required text: The Fischer-Dieskau Book of Lieder, readily available through online bookstores. (New for about $25; used for $2.50 and up.) This book contains the texts and translations for all the songs we will be studying.