The Birth of the Classical Style: Music After the Death of J.S. Bach with Gil Harel

Calling all Gil fans! Join us for an in depth look at music's "classical" style which began in the mid 1700s.

Johann Sebastian Bach's death in 1750 would mark the definitive end of the Baroque period. As musical taste continued to shift and coalesce around new ideas, a new style began to emerge - history would call it "classical." 

During this lecture, Professor Gil Harel will analyze music from the mid-18th century, considering the development of contemporary philosophical and social movements as well. J.S. Bach had famously contended that “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Would his sons (and the other composers who succeeded him) have agreed with that? What are the salient differences between these musical styles, and how can we hear them? Join Professor Harel as he covers a fascinating period in music history and helps us augment our listening skills in the bargain!

About the Presenter

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is a Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.