Mozart and the Apogee of the Classical Style with Gil Harel

Wolfgang Mozart was born a mere 6 years after the death of Bach, and yet in many ways, his music could not be more different. Whereas Bach had favored polyphonic textures (e.g., fugue) and had written a great deal of music for the Lutheran Church, Mozart was born in a different time and place, and wrote music in a different style and for a different purpose. "Melody is the essence of music", the composer was recorded saying. 

During this program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss the style of music that thrived during Mozart's life and in Mozart's hands. Whether writing piano sonatas, chamber works, or opera, melody - as the composer indicated - had primacy. But as we shall see, closer inspection reveals that Mozart's gift went far beyond melody. 

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 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.