Lecture Looks at Musical Culture 100 Years Ago

The musical culture at Smith in the 1890s, especially that among students of the time, will be the focus of a lecture, "A Musicology of the Everyday," given by Ruth A. Solie, Sophia Smith Professor of Music, on Monday, April 12, at 4:30 p.m. in Stoddard Auditorium.

During her lecture, Solie will explore "the connections between students' descriptions of musical activities and the broader picture of American musical and cultural history at the end of the 19th century," she says.

"A Musicology of the Everyday" is the last event of "Three by Three," a series of inaugural lectures delivered by faculty members recently named to chaired professorships. In November Sophia Smith Professor of Government Steven Goldstein and Charles N. Clark Professor of Government Donald L. Robinson gave lectures in the series.

Solie, who has written and presented extensively about music history and women in music, says "there is musicological knowledge to be had by looking at the everyday musical experience of people, including those who are not professional musicians."

A 1964 Smith graduate, Solie has been a member of the Smith music department faculty since 1974. She received her doctorate rom the University of Chicago and has served on the music faculties at Yale and Columbia universities and Mary Baldwin College. Among courses taught by Solie are "The Art of Listening," "Writing About Music" and "Topics in Theory."

A reception will follow Solie's lecture in the Alumnae House Living Room. "Three by Three" is sponsored by the Office of the Smith College President.