Unit information: Further Written Techniques in 2012/13

Unit name	Further Written Techniques
Unit code	MUSIM0139
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Glyn Jenkins
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Music
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will introduce students to the compositional techniques of the classical and early romantic periods, both through analysis of representative examples and the composition of short pastiche exercises in these styles. It will deal (a) with classical sring quartet writing in the style of Haydn and Mozart and (b) the composition of songs in the style of Schubert.

Aims:

This unit aims to introduce fundamental compositional procedures of the classical and early romantic periods through detailed study of chamber music and lieder repertories.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. identify key compositional techniques in the music of the classical and early romantic periods
2. describe the function of chromaticism within the melodic and harmonic idioms of classical and early romantic composers
3. relate surface ornament to underlying structure
4. compose short extracts in classical and romantic styles
5. compose effective musical settings of poetic texts
6. develop and demonstrate an understanding of vocal and instrumental textures in the classical and early romantic periods

Teaching Information

Weekly 2-hour classes.

Assessment Information

Weekly coursework exercises – for credit Final extended exercise (100%); this will involve the composition of a complete movement for string quartet in the style of Mozart and Haydn and of a song in the style of Schubert (Time allowed: two weeks)

Successful attainment of outcomes 1 – 3 will enable students to demonstrate outcomes 4 – 6.

Reading and References

• W. Piston (rev. M. DeVoto), Harmony (London, 1978)

• String Quartets and songs by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert