Introduction Two parallel courses in Music Theory and Performance Practice are offered each academic year to all postgraduate students and full attendance at at least one of the two courses is compulsory, depending on one's principal subject, specialisation or the student's own interests.
a. For repertoire from the period c.1480-1730 a course is offered on the topics of instrumentation, tuning and temperament during the 17th century; tempo and metre; and tuning systems in theory and practice.
b. For repertoire from the period c.1730-1830 a parallel course is offered on the topics of treatises from the (second half of the) 18th century and their significance for knowledge of style and performance practice; and Capita Selecta about performance practice in the Classical period (Haydn, Mozart, early Beethoven).
All students in the 1st year of the postgraduate studies have to attend one of these two courses. Knowledge of the topic in question is tested by means of an oral examination at the end of the academic year. This examination must be passed with a minimum grade of 'satisfactory' before the postgraduate practical examination can be considered! All students in the 2nd year of the postgraduate studies must, after undertaking one or more library tasks, undertake library research of an unpublished work (or a composition that only exists in an early edition) for their own principal subject instrument/voice or for an ensemble including their own principal subject instrument, and subsequently make a performance edition, practice it, and it is also required that the composition in question is performed as part of the final examination programme. The work in question must be prefaced by a relevant introduction ('Critical Note') with regard to origin and available sources, edition problems, choices of the edition, and its place in music history. These critical notes are also intended to be an essential part of the recital programme for the final postgraduate examination Master's degree.
A. The theoretical courses by Peter van Heyghen will focus on two aspects of crucial importance for the performance practice of historical music between c.1480 and c.1730.
Topic 1: Instrumentation and Orchestration
Detailed study of the regional, temporal and functional issues that determine the use and combination of instruments.
Topic 2: Temperaments and Pitch
Thorough exploration of the mathematical/acoustical, musical/stylistic, and practical performance aspects of the different historical temperaments and tuning systems (Pythagorean tuning system; mean-tone, well-tempered and equal temperaments). Basic survey of the main historical pitch standards and implications for performance practice in the period c.1550-c.1800. Summaries will be available for each of the themes, but students will be expected to participate actively by preparing exercises and studying extra literature.
Topic 3: Library Research Programme (1580-1730)
In co-operation with the library of the Dutch Music Institute, The Hague (Dick van den Hul). These classes will take place on twelve mornings (each of 3 hours) between September and April, and conclude with an oral examination at the end of the academic year.
B. The theoretical courses by Bart van Oort will focus on two aspects of crucial importance for the performance practice of music between c.1730 and c.1830.
Topic 1: Practical Survey of 18th century treatises
Through a thorough reading of key treatises and extensive use of secondary literature and articles, the nature of the 18th century style and performance practices will be investigated. Sources include treatises for
Topic 2: Capita Selecta in historical performance practice
Depending on instrument and interest, each student will chose a subject to read about. Possible choices include
Topic 3: Library Research Programme (1730-1830)
With a focus on the classical and early
19th century repertoire and literature. Every assignment will be adjusted to suit the particular interest of the student. Each student will be expected to research correspondence, certain collections, collected work editions, and biographies, as well as
These classes will take place on twelve mornings (each of 3 hours) between September and April, and conclude with an oral examination at the end of the academic year.