Introduction
All undergraduate and Advanced Certificate students have to attend lessons in historical music theory and performance practice. These lessons are intended as a supplement to classical music theory, harmony and analysis, in addition to general Conservatoire teaching, and to improve understanding of the background of Baroque music, from basic concepts to rhetoric and the theory of the affects. Historical treatises from the 17th and 18th century form the foundation of these courses. Detailed papers are available.
The following courses are offered weekly during two terms:
Introduction to Baroque Æsthetics and Performance Practice
These courses deal with the importance of historical research and Historical Performance Practice c.1550-1750 by means of many historical treatises and sources. Links are made between musical, political and social context, philosophy and the visual arts.
NB. Compulsory for all 1st year students; open to others.
Baroque analysis and Performance Practice
From Zarlino up to Heinichen and Mattheson, with special attention to rhetoric and the affects in the Baroque and their application and integration in the works of C Monteverdi up to and including JS Bach.
NB. Compulsory for all 2nd year students; open to others.
Ornamentation and Diminution
The art of improvisation of diminutions and performance of ornamentation, vocal and instrumental, based on sources from the end of the 16th century up to and including Monteclair, Hotteterre and Quantz.
Compulsory for all students of principal subject early music singing; open to others.
Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint
In co-operation with the theory department of the Conservatoire, it is possible to follow lessons in Renaissance and Baroque counterpoint. Depending on the level of the student and based on the historical treatises of Tinctoris up to C Bernard, classes analyse and examine in practice single to multiple line melodies and counterpoint on a 16th-17th century basis.
Only after acceptance by the Head of the Early Music Department.