Description

My Favourite 20th‑Century Masterpieces The 20th century was arguably the most cataclysmic in human history since the 14th century—politically, medically, artistically, and of course, musically. Even now in 2026, we have no single label that can encompass its musical diversity. Movements such as modernism, post‑modernism, impressionism, expressionism, minimalism, serialism, and musique concrète only begin to describe the extraordinary range of styles that emerged. Composers explored neo‑classicism and post‑romanticism, invented new idioms like atonality and serialism, and brought new forms of expression to folk‑based modality. The music of this era challenged our ears, sometimes provoking resistance and sometimes, unexpectedly, love.

This four‑week course is NOT a survey of the century’s most famous “great works,” but rather a personal journey through a handful of deeply cherished masterpieces selected and beloved by the presenter. You’ll encounter piano works by Debussy and Granados; concert pieces by Ravel, Falla, and Finzi; orchestral songs by Mahler, Berg, and Strauss; and symphonic music by Prokofiev, John Adams, and others.
Led by Robert Holliston, a beloved local lecturer known for his engaging pre‑concert talks at Pacific Opera Victoria, this course invites you to listen anew—to (re)discover the beauty, strangeness, and emotional power of the 20th century’s musical imagination.

Activity Sub-Category

Music Tech & Creativity - Theory

Location

Classroom/Large Studio 224 at Downtown - Victoria Conservatory of Music

Instructor

Robert Holliston