The History of Classical Music: The Development of Music

The History of Classical Music: The Development of Music

Author: Hillsdale College August 30, 2024 Duration: 35:40

On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan (and a very special guest) introduce the course "The History of Classical Music: Pythagoras through Beethoven".

In “The History of Classical Music,” concert pianist and Hillsdale College Distinguished Fellow Hyperion Knight explains how music has developed and what distinguishes the greatest musical achievements through the life of Beethoven. Join this course, whether you are a music novice or an aficionado of the classical style, to learn what makes music great.

From the time that Pythagoras discovered the mathematical ratios of harmonic scales, it took the greatest minds over two thousand years to tune the major and minor keys. Pope Gregory I, Charlemagne, Sir Isaac Newton, and lesser-known figures like Guido of Arezzo all contributed to the advancement of the science of music building to the crescendo of Baroque operas. Significant pieces discussed include Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and J.S. Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast delivers the core of a classical liberal arts education directly to your preferred listening app. Hosted by Online Learning Directors Kyle Murnen and Juan Davalos, this series transforms the college's foundational mission into an accessible audio format. Each episode serves as a lecture or discussion drawn from Hillsdale's complete, free online courses, covering enduring topics in history, government, culture, and the principles of a free society. You'll hear in-depth explorations of the ideas, events, and figures that have shaped Western civilization and American institutions, all presented with the clarity and depth of a classroom setting. The podcast is designed for lifelong learners seeking substantive content beyond the headlines, offering structured education through the convenience of an audio feed. Listen for thoughtful commentary that introduces each course's themes, followed by the full lecture material, allowing you to engage with rigorous academic content on your own schedule. This is more than a series of talks; it's a curated curriculum aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical and historical foundations necessary for informed citizenship and personal enrichment.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Solzhenitsyn, Mises, and Hayek [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:11
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the deeply personal and precinct writings of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” professors of histor…
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Stalin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the unique evil of Joseph Stalin. In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” professors of history, politics, and economics look at…
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Lenin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:19
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the forces that lead to the rise of the Soviet Union before introducing the lesson. In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” profe…
Marxism, Socialism, and Communism: Marx [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:33
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan introduce the course "Marxism, Socialism, and Communism." In “Marxism, Socialism, and Communism,” professors of history, politics, and ec…
Communism's Bloody History: An Interview with Sean McMeekin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:27
In this special episode of the Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan sits down with Dr. Sean McMeekin, the Francis Flournoy professor of European History and Culture at Bard College, for an in-depth co…
The Bible as Literature: An Interview with Justin Jackson [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:25
In this special episode of the Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah Regan sits down with Dr. Justin Jackson, chairman and professor of English at Hillsdale College, for an in-depth conversation about the on…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: The End of It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:18
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the beauty of a Christmas well spent before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound lessons…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:50
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the biblical themes in A Christmas Carol before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound less…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Present [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:40
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the power of Bob Cratchit's selflessness before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll learn profound less…
Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol: Christmas Past [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:48
On this episode of The Hillsdale College Online Courses Podcast, Jeremiah and Juan discuss the terrifying and comical nature of the Ghosts of Christmas before introducing Dr. Dwight Lindley. By taking this course, you’ll…