Unit name | Technical Studies II: Introduction to Baroque Composition |
---|---|
Unit code | MUSIM0143 |
Credit points | 20 |
Level of study | M/7 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Dr. Scott |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
None |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | Department of Music |
Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit surveys the harmonic and contrapuntal procedures of the baroque period with reference primarily to the work of Corelli, Handel and J.S. Bach. The emphasis will be on 2-part writing, beginning with the composition of simple dance movements in the manner of Corelli and Handel and moving towards the 2-part invention style of Bach. At various stages the developing harmonic language of the period will be explored with reference to Bach's chorale harmonisations; students will also be given the opportunity to develop fluency in their application and practice of figured bass.
Aims:
The unit aims to introduce key stylistic features of baroque instrumental music through the study of models and the composition of pastiche examples. Wherever possible, selected models and examples will be illustrated through live performance in class.
Successful completion of this unit will enable students:
Weekly hour-long classes plus sign-up tutorial sessions in the tutor’s weekly consultation hour.
Weekly exercises for credit
Final project (100%), consisting of a 3000-word analytical essay, and the composition of two complete movements: a sonata for violin and continuo in the style of Corelli, and a 2-part invention for keyboard in the style of Bach.
Learning outcome 4 will be demonstrated through the analytical essay. Outcomes 1-3 are demonstrated in the composition and harmonisation assignments.
Piston, W. (rev. ed. by DeVoto, M.), Harmony (London, 1978)
Corelli, Sonatas for Violin and Continuo, op. V
Handel: Solo Sonatas
J.S. Bach (ed. A. Riemenschneider), 371 Chorale Harmonisations (New York, 1941)
J.S. Bach, Two-part Inventions