The course aims to provide knowledge for the understanding of the fundamentals of musical communication, starting with the analysis of the main elements of musical language (melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, intensity, form) and their role in the expression of feelings and meanings. Students will also acquire skills related to the theory and practice of musical communication, exploring its different social, media and cultural contexts.
teacher profile teaching materials
The first part of the course is dedicated to the core elements of musical language and the methods for understanding musical aesthetics. It also includes the analysis of musical works in relation to different forms of transmission and reception, from score and live performance to digital formats.
The second part delves into the languages of musical communication, focusing on discursive techniques used in pre-event narratives and music criticism. Particular attention is given to the shift from analog to digital media and the participatory dynamics fostered by online musical communities.
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Part 1 – Elements of Musical Language and Aesthetic Analysis
1.1 Music as a system of cultural communication
1.2 Fundamentals of musical language: melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, form
1.3 Methods for understanding musical aesthetics
1.4 Analysis of musical sources: from score to live performance and digital consumption
Part 2 – Musical Communication Languages Across Traditional and Digital Media
2.1 Pre-event narrative techniques: interviews, reportage, social media content
2.2 Languages of music review: traditional vs. digital media
2.3 Music criticism in the digital age: blogs, podcasts, and online platforms
2.4 Musical communities and online listening dynamics
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Programme
The course explores the fundamentals of musical communication, with particular attention to the languages through which music conveys meaning across different cultural and media environments. The analysis focuses on both the construction of the musical message and its expressive modes, as well as the influence of traditional and digital media on perception and reception.The first part of the course is dedicated to the core elements of musical language and the methods for understanding musical aesthetics. It also includes the analysis of musical works in relation to different forms of transmission and reception, from score and live performance to digital formats.
The second part delves into the languages of musical communication, focusing on discursive techniques used in pre-event narratives and music criticism. Particular attention is given to the shift from analog to digital media and the participatory dynamics fostered by online musical communities.
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Part 1 – Elements of Musical Language and Aesthetic Analysis
1.1 Music as a system of cultural communication
1.2 Fundamentals of musical language: melody, harmony, rhythm, timbre, dynamics, form
1.3 Methods for understanding musical aesthetics
1.4 Analysis of musical sources: from score to live performance and digital consumption
Part 2 – Musical Communication Languages Across Traditional and Digital Media
2.1 Pre-event narrative techniques: interviews, reportage, social media content
2.2 Languages of music review: traditional vs. digital media
2.3 Music criticism in the digital age: blogs, podcasts, and online platforms
2.4 Musical communities and online listening dynamics
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Core Documentation
A curated selection of academic essays and articles provided by the instructor throughout the course, with a focus on the relationship between musical structure and communicative function.Reference Bibliography
-Attendance
Attendance is not mandatory, but it is strongly encouraged in order to fully benefit from the course.Type of evaluation
Assessment for attending students includes a final oral exam based on class materials and readings, along with one of the following applied projects: - A report on a live music event or a critical review of a musical work discussed during the course - A podcast or short-form documentary offering analytical insight into a selected piece or musical phenomenon, to be approved by the instructor Additional reading: Cecchi, A. (ed.). (2020). La musica fra testo, performance e media: Forme e concetti dell’esperienza musicale. MIX series, musica.performance.media. Non-attending students are required to choose and study one of the following supplementary texts: - Cherubini, S., & Pattuglia, S. (2007). Comunicare con gli eventi. Riflessioni e casi di eccellenza. FrancoAngeli. - Rigolli, A. (a cura di). (2005). La divulgazione musicale in Italia oggi. Atti del convegno (Parma, 5-6 novembre 2004). EDT.