Kyle Hutchinson, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music. 

Although syntactic elements of music (notes, scales, etc.) are integral to all pathways of music education, the fundamental question music theory asks is not “what?”, but “why?” Out of an almost limitless palette of possibilities, why these notes? Why these chords? Why these keys? This talk illustrates this “why?” through analysis of three very different pieces—Richard Strauss’ opera Elektra (1909), Florence Price’s Piano Sonata in E minor (ca. 1932), and Stephen Schwartz’ musical Wicked (2003). My analytical interactions with these works intersect with issues of psychology, African American cultural heritage, and dramatic structure, and invite the audience to consider how an in-depth understanding of music and theory can reveal subtle yet meaningful connections between sounds, people, ideas, and societies across eras, genres, and cultural practices.

Refreshments will be provided.

All are welcome.