The Evolution of the Symphony and Orchestra - Lecture 20

Explore the evolution of symphonic music and orchestras in this 52-minute lecture from Yale University's "Listening to Music" course. Trace the development of the symphony from Mozart to Mahler, examining how the genre and orchestra composition changed throughout the 19th century. Discover the historical context of these musical transformations within broader European developments. Learn about the evolution of string, woodwind, and brass instruments, the growth of orchestras, and the advent of concert halls. Delve into the works of renowned composers like Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Wagner, and Mahler, with a special focus on Gustav Mahler's contributions to the symphonic genre. Gain insights into the capacities and limitations of 19th-century orchestras and how they shaped musical compositions.

- Chapter 1. Introduction to Symphonies.
- Chapter 2. Historical Changes in Strings and Woodwind Instruments.
- Chapter 3. The Development of the Brass Family.
- Chapter 4. The Growing Orchestra: Capacities and Limits in the 19th Century.
- Chapter 5. Accommodating Orchestras: The Advent of Concert Halls.
- Chapter 6. Gustav Mahler, the Symphony Composer.
- Chapter 7. Conclusion.