This lecture series focuses on the very best of Western music, and as we progress through these lectures, the following are two important questions that we will seek to answer as we examine the various musical selections: What makes these works masterpieces? Why highlight these works? - These works share, for the most part, a common language, and were all composed to be listened to in the concert hall. - The works have stood the test of time-they remain popular and can be found annually on concert programs. - These works are loved not only by audiences, but have served as quintessential models for other composers as well. - These works stand up to repeated listenings-in fact, the more we study them, the more they seem to yield. In addition, the course highlights relevant details of the lives of the great composers and aids in developing a knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Western music.