HNRS 126-01: Music & Sexual Orientation

This seminar will consider the impact of a composer or musical artist’s sexual orientation on his or her creative output. We will read a good deal of provocative scholarship as we attempt to consider questions such as: What does sexual orientation have to do with musicality? Is there such a thing as a queer aesthetic or sensibility in music? What impact does a composer’s sexual orientation have on his or her place in the musical canon, or on his or her ability to get his or her music heard? We will consider a wide range of repertoire, from the Western art music tradition to musical theatre to popular music. Students will write short weekly essays responding to the readings (and listenings), and a final research paper on a topic of their choosing. Ability to read music could come in handy but is not required. Open ears and an open mind, however, are crucial!

Term: Spring 2009

Credits: 4

Fulfills: GE Requirement in Fine Arts (A); or students may petition to have it fulfill Interdisciplinary Studies (I)

Cross-listed: Music, Queer Studies 

Meeting times: 10:00-11:20 TR

Instructor: Christopher Bruhn