An exploration of the music and culture of Western civilization from 1750 to the present, with an emphasis on the Western Art tradition. Students will study both the sacred and secular music of these eras including (but not limited to) opera, church music, song, symphony, sonata, concerto, and chamber music. The music and careers of several composers will be examined in some detail. Musical works will be examined on the basis of their intrinsic characteristics as well as in connection with the aesthetic, social, philosophical, political, and economic environment in which they were created. Students will be expected to have a basic understanding of standard musical notation.