Beyond the Notes:
The Course of Empire

Musical Styles

Just as Thomas Cole referenced earlier painters in his work, composer Nell Shaw Cohen references historical musical styles to tell a story in The Course of Empire.

Video: Introduction

Video: I. The Savage State Medieval motets

Video: II. The Pastoral State Renaissance dance music

Video: III. Consummation Baroque orchestral music

Video: IV. Destruction "Bartok meets Led Zeppelin"

Video: V. Desolation Ahistorical and abstract