The Department of Musicology and Music History provides a solid introduction to musicology (and music history taken broadly) and opportunities for intellectual exploration in an interdisciplinary spirit inspired by the humanism of Edward Said and Daniel Barenboim, foundational for our Academy. 

In addition to core undergraduate classes in Music History from Antiquity to the present (four semesters, running in parallel with the music theory/ear training curriculum), we offer advanced electives to develop students’ critical sensibilities on musical topics not restricted to the ‘Western’ musical tradition, for example, counterpoint in medieval and Renaissance music, the history of acoustics and tuning, and film music (e.g. in Japanese animation films). We also offer in-depth studies in aesthetics and contemporary music (e.g. a recent seminar on the music of György Ligeti) and guide students in the selection and development of their undergraduate final projects, as well as with graduate-level (Artist-Diploma or Masters-level) independent study. 

The Edward W. Said Days, held since 2018, open the Pierre Boulez Saal season, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Palestinian literary scholar. The program is centered around keynote lectures by philosopher Dag Nikolaus Hasse and musicologist Kofi Agawu as well as two panel discussions exploring subjects at the intersection of music and postcolonialism—both central aspects of Said’s work. Daniel Barenboim conducts two concerts of the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which he co-founded with Said.

With the start of the 2023/24 season, the Barenboim-Said Akademie launches a new edition of its Composers’ Club. In this series of seminars and conversations led by Prof. Stephan Winkler, some of today’s leading composers are invited to present their work. Each installment consists of a preparatory seminar for Akademie students, which is focused on a closer look at scores and aspects of the music, and a live talk with the composer that is open to the public.

Registration is required; admission is free.