M690: Fall 1997
Latin American Music Seminar:
Latin American Music for Solo Instruments and Chamber Ensembles
Dr. Carmen Téllez
Tel: 855-2991
ctellez@indiana.edu
Music Library 383
1. Objectives:
Discussion and evaluation of important works in the Latin American art music repertoire for solo instruments or chamber ensembles and their specific contributions to Western music. The works will be considered from several historical, social and stylistic perspectives, in conjunction with the analysis of their intrinsic musical characteristics. There will be some emphasis in the repertoire for the piano solo, and in chamber combinations involving other instruments.
The members of the seminar are expected to select and develop their own research project. Discussion of the works from the perspective of the different disciplines of the members of the class is encouraged and will be planned.
2. Meetings:
Mondays and Wednesdays, 11:15 to 12:20
Fridays, 11:15 to 12:05
Music Library 271
3. Requirements:
a. One principal research project on a subject of your choice related to the topic of this seminar.
This research project must be presented as a paper, to be discussed in the seminar meetings during the last two weeks of classes. Dates of presentation and discussion will be assigned after consultation with the class. The class members will present their chosen topic by September 18 and a topic proposal acording to the attached guidelines by September 25. The paper must be ready two days before the date of presentation and discussion, so that the class can read it ahead of time. Two copies will be placed on the library reserve, and one will be turned to me.
b. Two formal presentations in class.
These presentations will be supported by a bibliography, a discography and examples as needed. The topic of the first presentation may be assigned. The second presentation may consist of a self-contained segment of the final project, if this is substantial, or may address a different topic of the student's choice in complement to the final paper.
c. Reading and Listening Assignments. Seminar Participation.
The purpose of the seminar is to encourage research in the particular areas of Latin American Music which are of interest to the class, and to promote the discussion of the presented topics. The seminar members are expected to fulfill the reading and listening assignments in preparation for this discussion.
d. Seminar Notebook.
A compilation of class notes, bibliographies, discographies,personal research, and reading/listening annotations will be prepared to be submitted during the last week of classes. The objective of the notebook is to provide you with a basic resource for your future study of Latin American music.
e. Grading.
50% Final paper
30% Class participation
20% Seminar notebook
General Topics of Research and Approaches to the Study of
Latin American Art Music
a.Primary and secondary sources of research.
b.Historical development of musical genres.
c. Adoption and transformation of European, North-American, Native American and African-American styles, techniques and materials.
d. Issues and theories of musical identity and musicological representation.
e. Cultural and class cross-relations within Latin American society. Their impact on musical activities and developments.
f. Relationship of the musics of Latin America and the United States in the 20th-century.
g. Nationalism vs. internationalism.
h. Interaction of traditional, popular and concert music.
i. Interaction of music with other arts.
k. Original contributions of Latin American music: musical systems, instruments,
forms and interpretations of the role of music and its context.
Format for the Topic Proposal
The purpose of the proposal is to encourage you to chose a topic and focus your research early on in the semester. Since this may be your first class in Latin American music, you may modify or change your topic as you gather more specific information, or if you find an alternative subject which attracts your interest in a compelling fashion. However, any deviations from the original topic must be considered carefully and in consultation with me, to avoid undesirable disruptions of your final project. The deadline for your final research topic will be the Thursday of the fourth week of classes.
Please cover the following points when preparing your proposal:
1. Thesis or general topic, in which you will assert your theme, project, or the point of view that you will develop.
2. Methodology- the anticipated procedure by which you will discuss your topic, prove your case and/or develop your project.
3. Anticipated results- the conclusions or contributions you may obtain.
4. Bibliography- including primary and secondary sources, discography and other reference materials as needed. This bibliography need not be exhaustive, but rather a frist review of the materials you have consulted and may continue to consult in your work. However, you will be expected to show a focused inquiry into the topic of choice.
The proposal may not exceed two pages in length.
Please email questions or consultations
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