Heard It Through the Grapevine — Motown with a Musicologist (In-Person)

Registration Required Below

As rock music ascended to unprecedented heights in the 20th century, many sub-genres emerged. ‘Motown’ became one of the most successful musical styles of the era — as the sonically entrancing styles of African American musicians intertwined with the music producers of this period.

Gil Harel, a musicologist and music theorist,  explains this transmutation of traditional rock melded with rhythm and blues, demonstrating how songs from these idioms typically include nuanced chord progressions, incisive rhythms, and complex and layered harmony. Gil will also talk about how a bold, improvisational singing approach is cited as reflecting consciousness and pride in being Black.

This is a hybrid program that will take place both live at the Library, and virtually over Zoom. For a full experience we recommend attending this program live at the Library.

Scroll to the bottom of the screen to register for the In-Person option and include a cell for a text reminder.

Would you prefer instead to attend the program virtually over Zoom? Click here to register for the virtual event and receive a Zoom link the day of the program. 

About Our Speaker

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious “Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching”).

Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT “Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College” for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.

Thumbnail Photo by Music HQ on Unsplash