Music has played a uniquely central role in the history of the Czech lands, and this course is desi
gned to explain why this is so by following the development of music here since the Middle Ages. It
 begins with a survey of Czech history aimed at analysing the broad social and cultural changes aff
ecting Bohemia and Moravia over the centuries. It goes on to deal with the country’s unusually rich
 folk music tradition, which has been of great importance in the development of its musical life an
d has had a profound influence on many of its leading composers. The history of music from the Midd
le Ages on then follows, with the emphasis on the many links between musical life and musicians her
e and the rest of Central Europe, the role of national feeling in the development of the musical tr
adition, and the place of ethnic and other minorities.


Seminar tasks

Before each seminar, students are required to read the assigned readings, which provide background
information and serve as the basis for class discussion. In addition, the following books are
essential reading for those interested in the particular subjects.


Related articles in The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. London, 2001.
Newmarch, R. The Music of Czechoslovakia. Oxford, 1942, 1969.

Štěpánek, V. and Karásek, B. An Outline of Czech and Slovak Music. Prague, 1964.

Tyrrell, J. Czech Opera. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1988.

Tyrrell, J. Janáček: Years of a Life, I (1864-1914), II (1914-1928). London, 2006, 2007.


Time and location

The lessons will take place on Wednesdays from 6.20 p.m. to 7.55 p.m. in room A11 of the Faculty of
 Arts, Arne Nováka 1. Teaching starts on 23 September 2009 and ends on 16 December 2009. Attention:
 There are no lessons on Wednesdays 30 September, 28 October, 18 November.


Examination procedure

The course is finished with an essay of 1000-2000 words. The deadline for these essays is 18
December 2009. Before they choose what to write on, students should consult with Mr. Špaček, who
will advise them on possible topics as well as on where secondary literature can be obtained. He
can be reached during his office hours (Wednesdays 11-12, room J121) or at any other times by
appointment.


Other course activities

Visits to the National Theatres in Prague, Brno and Bratislava. Details will be specified according
to students’ interest. Suggestions:

(1)     Dvořák’s Rusalka, Prague, Tuesday 17 November 2009, 5 p.m.

(2)     Dvořák’s Rusalka, Bratislava, Saturday 10 October 2009, 7 p.m.

(3)     Martinů’s The Marriage, Brno, 4 + 5 + 7 October 2009, 7 p.m.

(4)     Janáček’s Cunning Little Vixen, Brno, 22 + 27 November 2009, 7 p.m.


Teacher responsible for the course

Mgr. Jan Špaček

e-mail: spacek@mail.muni.cz

more contacts: http://is.muni.cz/person/23816?lang=en