Watch Music as a Mirror of History

Music as a Mirror of History is a fascinating and informative show from The Great Courses Signature Collection starring the esteemed musicologist and composer Robert Greenberg. Throughout the course of 24 lectures, Greenberg delves into the ways in which music has reflected and influenced history throughout the centuries.

The show covers an incredible breadth of musical history, beginning with ancient cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. From there, Greenberg takes us through the medieval period, the Renaissance, the Baroque era, the classical period, and into the 19th and 20th centuries.

One of the most impressive things about Music as a Mirror of History is the way that Greenberg weaves together different strands of history to create a cohesive narrative. He highlights the political, social, and cultural events of each time period, and shows how these events were reflected in the music of the time.

For example, in the lecture on the Baroque era, Greenberg explores the ways in which the grandeur and opulence of the music reflected the grandeur and opulence of the Baroque courts. He discusses the role of the Catholic Church in supporting and shaping the music of the time, and explains how the musical innovations of composers like Bach and Handel were influenced by their surroundings.

In the lecture on the classical period, Greenberg dives into the political and social upheaval of the late 18th century. He explains how the ideals of the Enlightenment gave rise to a new style of music that emphasized simplicity, clarity, and order. He also explores the development of the symphony and the rise of the virtuoso soloist, and shows how these musical forms reflected the changing ideas and values of the time.

Throughout the show, Greenberg uses a wealth of musical examples to illustrate his points. He plays excerpts from a wide variety of composers, from the most famous (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach) to the lesser-known (Barbara Strozzi, Hildegard of Bingen). He also highlights how music from different cultures and regions has evolved over time, and shows the ways in which different musical traditions have influenced each other.

One of the most compelling aspects of Music as a Mirror of History is the way that Greenberg emphasizes the interconnectedness of different art forms. He talks about the ways in which music has influenced literature, painting, and architecture, and vice versa. He draws connections between different composers and artistic movements, and shows how their work was a reflection of the world around them.

Overall, Music as a Mirror of History is an outstanding show that provides a comprehensive overview of the ways in which music has reflected and influenced history. Robert Greenberg is an engaging and knowledgeable guide, and the show is filled with fascinating insights and musical examples. Whether you're a music lover, a history buff, or simply curious about the role that music has played in human culture, this show is not to be missed.

Music as a Mirror of History is a series that ran for 1 seasons (24 episodes) between November 1, 2016 and on The Great Courses Signature Collection