Devils, Witches and the Supernatural in Music
An 8-week course on Zoom
“Devils, Witches and the Supernatural in Music” is the newest course I am offering for 8 weeks on Zoom through Lifetime Learners Institute in Norwalk, CT.
The course starts this Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time.
Anyone, anywhere, can sign up for this Zoom class here at minimal cost: https://lifetimelearners.org/courses-fall-2024/
Join us!
Course Description
DEVILS, WITCHES AND THE SUPERNATURAL IN MUSIC
Just who and what are we? In the early 19th-century E.T.A. Hoffmann wrote about “the conflict of human nature with the unknown, monstrous powers that surround it.” There is much demonizing of the “other” these days. At the same time, we are having trouble confronting change and our mortality: we challenge authority, bargain with fate.
In many ways, this course is a celebration of creativity, greatly enriched by drawing upon many diverse sources. The “other” becomes “us.” The creative spirit will not be easily stifled. And a little mischief has its own special rewards.
There are a number of provocative case studies in this course. They include revisiting the Salem Witch Trials in colonial New England and the breakdown of Calvinist rigidity governing psalm singing. We will also explore the world of musical instruments -- virtually all of them coming from non-Chrisitan sources -- which were subsequently “civilized” to become part of the orchestra, the jazz band and its drum set, and a whole lot more.
Add to this mix stories of forbidden love and mortality, Faustian bargains, apprentices run amuck, mischievous children receiving their comeuppance, and you have the essence of this course.
Copyright 2024 by Joshua Berrett. All Rights Reserved.
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Joshua Berrett has been facilitating music courses for Lifetime Learners Institute since 2012, after he retired as Full Professor of Music from Mercy University.
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This is going to be a good one, Josh!