A new one-credit course, Russian Song (RUSN305), is open for enrollment in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures. The course is dedicated to the exploration and performance of Russian vocal music. Led by a renowned ethnomusicologist Terry Boyarsky (terryboyarsky.wordpress.com www.russianduo.com), students will learn children’s songs, art songs, “city” romances, Cossack songs and folk dances. Each song is placed in context, with an eye towards culture, symbolism, history, poetry/lyrics, and customs. Students will look at how classical composers use Russian folk music in their long forms. Russian percussion and other instruments will enhance the song, all culminating in a final performance at the end of the semester.
No prior knowledge of Russian language or music is required.
The first meeting of the class is in Haydn Hall, Room 207, on Tuesday, January 16, at 6 p. m.