Course Description

From sheer talent, pioneering a new direction, or outselling all their rivals, a few artists are widely regarded as the foremost practitioners of their art. Their work endures through the years, imitated but never surpassed, as part of the soundtrack of our times. From the directness of Irving Berlin to the heartfelt Jacques Brel, from the deep blues of Billy Holliday to the Tony-winning freedom of Kimberly Akimbo, from the symphonic Aaron Copeland to the spectacular Elton John, great artists inspire us in our time and set the standards for the future. Part I of this course will examine the work, biographies, and enduring importance of these past and present artists and attempt to sort myth from reality, using updated videos and excerpts from feature films, live performances, and a few surprises.

Lectures