Gain a deeper appreciation of four major composers of the early Romantic era, and see how great literature can inspire musical masterpieces. In the process, you will attain a broader understanding of the connection between these two life-enhancing art forms.

Composers of the Romantic era often drew upon literary subjects to expand the coloristic and expressive range of their music. In this series we will explore how Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann, Hector Berlioz, and Franz Liszt transformed the writings of their favorite authors—including Shakespeare, Goethe, Byron, and Hugo—into exciting and innovative musical works.

Among the pieces we will discuss are Mendelssohn’s music to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Schumann’s Manfred and Scenes from Faust, Berlioz’s Harold in Italy and Romeo and Juliet, and Liszt’s Faust Symphony.

Meet Your Instructor

Nicolas Krusek

Nicolas Krusek is a speaker and educator with twenty years of experience teaching music, literature and history. He studied orchestral conducting at the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno (Czech Republic) and historical musicology at the University of British Columbia. Holder of a Distinguished Toastmaster designation, Nicolas has been a master of ceremonies at conferences and concerts, and he has given educational talks to audiences at opera performances, symphony concerts and philosophy conferences. He has taught courses for UBC Continuing Studies and the SFU Liberal Arts and 55+ Program.