The course will examine Leonard Cohen`s beloved anthem "Hallelujah," and its unprecedented journey from obscure album cut to global standard. We will look at Cohen`s songwriting and his career before and after the song`s creation, the themes in his writing that are encapsulated in this composition, the numerous cover versions (particularly Jeff Buckley`s 1994 recording) and placements in movie and TV soundtracks (most notably Shrek)—often adapting or adjusting the lyrics to suit different purposes—that contributed to the gradual snowballing popularity of "Hallelujah" over the course of decades. The class will also look at the impact that the song`s latter-day success had on Cohen`s own fortunes and legacy, and its embrace as a staple in public events and official ceremonies.

Texts will include my book The Holy or the Broken, the film "Hallelujah": Leonard Cohen, A Journey, A Song, and Sylvie Simmons` Cohen biography I`m Your Man. We will also read from interviews with and profiles of Cohen, his own poetry and writing, and coverage of Jeff Buckley`s brief, influential career. Together we will listen to Cohen`s recordings and watch video of his performances, as well as view numerous different renditions of "Hallelujah" in order to compare/contrast the numerous different meanings, emotions, and purposes that one song can convey.

COURSE FORMAT
This course is an interactive in-person seminar course in New York City. This course will meet once a week for 6 classes and will be held in-person at the following location: Jay Suites 3rd floor Conference Room, 369 Lexington Ave New York, NY

Weekly reading or other forms of materials may be assigned. There are no papers or grades. This course does not offer any credits or certificates. This course is intended for learning for the love of learning.

COURSE MATERIALS
This course requires participants to purchase/rent materials.

The Holy or the Broken: Leonard Cohen, Jeff Buckley, and the Unlikely Ascent of "Hallelujah" (2022 edition) by Alan Light

https://www.amazon.com/Holy-Broken-Leonard-Unlikely-Hallelujah/dp/1982141360/ref=monarch_sidesheet_title

I`m Your Man: The Life of Leonard Cohen by Sylvie Simmons

https://www.amazon.com/Im-Your-Man-Leonard-Cohen/dp/0061995002

Additional reading materials will be supplied by the instructor.
Registrants will receive access to the course website about two weeks before the course starts.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY
Registrants can cancel and receive a full refund up to September 22. After September 22, there will be no refunds issued.
Yale Alumni College courses are subject to schedule changes as well as cancellations. If Yale Alumni College must cancel any course prior to its start due to low enrollment, you will be notified of this by the cancellation date. Upon cancellation of a course, registrants may transfer their registration to another available course or have the registration fee fully refunded.

In the event of a disruption to the original course schedule, including but not limited to; Professor absence, hazardous weather conditions, or local travel restrictions, Yale Alumni College will do its best to reschedule the missed class for the week immediately following the original end date at the same course time and day.