French and Spanish Masters

This 8-week class is offered downtown at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center.

Teacher Recertification CPDUs: 20

French and Spanish Masters

The French classical tradition is one of the world’s most enduring, from 10th century Notre Dame polyphony to postwar modernism, while the Spanish tradition offers a rich diversity of Arabic and European influences. We will discuss what is French about Fauré, Dukas, Saint-Saëns, and the famed Parisian opera. We will cover early giants Couperin and Rameau, and 20th century figures like Debussy, Poulenc, and Boulez. Ravel, a Basque, straddles both French and Spanish traditions. We will discuss the Spanish virtuoso tradition of Sor (guitar), Sarasate (violin), and Granados (piano), and the Zarzuela genre. Composers covered include Albéniz, de Falla, and Rodrigo.

Instructor: John Gibbons

Mr. Gibbons holds a PhD from the University of Chicago Department of Music. His works have been performed at the Rockefeller Music Competition and by the Minnesota Chamber Symphony. He received the Graham School of General Studies 2005 Excellence in Teaching Award for the Humanities, Arts, and Sciences.  

Visit John Gibbons' classical music blog, Holde Kunst. 

Register online

Course Code LAMUFS

Section 08U1

Summer 2008

Gleacher Center

$310 Early registration

$340 Regular registration (after May 16)

Thursdays, June 5–July 24

10 am–12:30 pm