MUSIC CLASS: The more you know

On Nov. 29, George Silva wrote a letter about a humanities course offered at Harvard University, “Music 1: Introduction to Western Art Music, From Bach to Beyoncé.” He asked about the course’s value and wondered if the tuition parents paid to learn about Beyoncé was worth it.

The course description says, “This course introduces you to a variety of art music repertories and a range of ways to think, talk, and write about them. You will gain an understanding of social, political, and cultural histories of music.”

The course encompasses the Baroque period of music (1580 to 1750) through today’s contemporary period featuring Beyoncé. Johann Sebastian Bach was a composer in the Baroque era and is considered one of the most important composers of his time. Beyoncé is a cultural figure credited with transforming the sound of popular music through her “widely acclaimed, innovative projects and live performances.” On its website, Billboard ranked her as the greatest pop star of the 21st century.

Legendary rock bands and performers, such as Madonna and Britney Spears, profoundly influenced society. Their musical message reverberated with their audience, selling many records and influencing clothing styles. Spears and Madonna developed a market for their “Barbie” doll models and very popular clothing lines.

The course description concludes: “Ending in the present day, we investigate what music means in a global context, a world increasingly shaped by new technologies and digital networks. By the end of class, you will be equipped to embark on a lifetime of informed listening.”

CBS used a jingle that sums up the value of this course: “The more you know …”

JACK EVENSIZER

Dalton Gardens