This England! An Exploration of Renaissance to 20th Century Music From the British Isles

While England was once known to Central Europeans as the land without music, it has actually produced a fine collection of performers and composers. Beginning in the Renaissance with Byrd, Tallis, and Dowland, a true English sound was born and established. During the Baroque period we have domestic masterpieces written by Purcell and imported ones by Handel. Granted, English composition languishes during the classical and romantic periods but the country was still a great place to have music performed. Then, in the 20th century, English composition is back with a vengeance, featuring masters like Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Britten. Join the class to explore this music.