Professor Gil Harel, PhD offers an in-depth exploration of the music of Renaissance Europe via a live webinar on Thursday, May 28 at 7 PM. To view the webinar, please register by clicking the event on the Library’s Events Calendar at newcanaanlibrary.org. Zoom sign in information will be provided upon registration.

The word “renaissance” is often equated with the notion of “rebirth.” While the idea of resurrecting the achievements of antiquity may hold true in other disciplines, this is not true for music. Medieval music had originally been characterized by relative simplicity (Gregorian chant) but grew to become increasingly complex and sometimes harshly dissonant (organum). As European society evolved, so too did the music, becoming more refined and sonorous, with codified rules on harmony and creating cadences.

In his talk, Professor Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) will discuss the important genres of renaissance music and explore how renaissance music provides the modern listener with a rich repository of sound, reflective of an equally rich period in European cultural history.

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from classical repertoire to jazz and popular music, as well as opera, medieval, and renaissance music. Previously, he has served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College, where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”, as well as the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, China. Currently, he teaches at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he was recently presented with the coveted “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College.” At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions. Outside of teaching, he enjoys staying active as a pianist and vocalist.