All aboard for your journey through classical music history
Choir of the Earth Events is excited to launch a brand-new six-part online ‘Around Sound’ lecture series, exploring the evolution of classical music.
This series, beginning this Wednesday, 9 October, is written and will be delivered by award-winning educator Ben England and will begin this Wednesday. The lectures are perfect for music lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone with a curiosity about how music developed across centuries.
In this engaging series, Ben will take participants on a journey from the Medieval Era to the Modern Era, uncovering the reasons behind key changes in musical styles and traditions. Ever wondered why opera singers warble or why orchestras became so large? Have you been curious about why upright pianos became household staples in the 19th century? This series will answer those questions and many more.
Ben will provide clear, engaging explanations of how music evolved over time, introducing listeners to concepts such as tonality, plainchant, early polyphony, and the influences of troubadours and travelling minstrels in the Medieval Era. As the series progresses, participants will learn about Palestrina, Byrd, Tallis, and other iconic composers from the Renaissance, before diving into the Baroque Era with familiar names like Handel, Bach, and Vivaldi.
The course continues with a deep exploration of the Classical Era, featuring the legendary works of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, and moves into the rich and emotional compositions of the Romantic Era with music from composers such as Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. Finally, the series concludes with a look at Modern Era composers like McCartney, Whitacre, and Rutter, covering styles from more recent times.
Each lecture will run for approximately 80 minutes, with an opportunity for participants to join a live Zoom session afterwards, where Ben will answer questions and facilitate discussion on the material presented. This makes the experience interactive, allowing participants to deepen their understanding in real-time.
If you’re unable to attend the live sessions, don’t worry! All lectures will be available to stream afterwards, so you can watch at your convenience and revisit any part of the series whenever you like. Additionally, each lecture will be supported by a curated YouTube playlist and PDF scores (public domain), offering further learning resources to explore each era's musical examples in more detail.
The lecture series is accessible to all, with no prior singing or musical experience required. However, for those who have performed before, Ben’s in-depth exploration will offer plenty of material to keep even the most seasoned musicians engaged. His friendly and inclusive teaching style ensures that everyone, from complete beginners to experienced choir members, will find something to enjoy and learn.
📅 When does it start?
The first session begins this Wednesday, 9 October, at 7pm.
🔗 Where can I read more and sign up?
Click here to find full details and book your place
Don’t miss this chance to discover the fascinating history of classical music in an accessible and enjoyable way. Whether you’re new to the subject or already familiar with the music, this series promises to be an exciting, educational experience for all. Join us as we explore the evolution of music across the ages!