According to the course outline, you are required to perform two works by J. S. Bach, graded by fellow students:
- An SATB chorale of your choice (one voice per part, preferably);
- Invention, fugue, or other imitative work (may be performed on keyboard, or arranged for other instruments, or sung).
- WHY? Performing music of a historical style really helps you in developing an instinctual understanding of that style. Regular writing exercises (i.e., assignments) and studying stylistic guidelines in books can also help in this process, but it is ueseful to mix these with regular performance, listening, and analysis of repertoire from the period. Ideally, your first indicator that something is wrong with a counterpoint exercise should be that it doesn’t sound right, or it ‘feels’ wrong, and this sense can be developed by performing as much repertoire as possible. The two singing presentations required for this course are just a start.
- WHEN? Performances will take place October 20, and 22.
- EVALUATION? You will be evaluated on a scale of 1-5 by your fellow students using one category only: Preparedness (1 = completely unprepared; 2 = below average; 3 = average; 4 = above average; 5 = excellent preparation). All evaluation will be anonymous, tabulated by me.
- PROBLEMS? If you’re having trouble finding a group see me immediately!
- LOOKING AHEAD: It would be wise to begin planning your 2nd performance now!
Further information:
- All selections must be approved by me (to avoid duplication);
- Be prepared to discuss points of interest in the works you perform, such as anything unexpected (chord progressions, "rules" that appear to be broken), interesting resolutions of suspensions, tendency tone treatment (approaching, resolving, doubling), etc.
- These two performances are worth 10% of your final grade (5% ea.).
For the SATB presentation:
- There should be a different chorale for every group.
- Ideally, each group would consist of two high voices (soprano, alto) and two low voices (tenor, bass). HOWEVER, since it unlikely that the distribution of voices in this class will provide 4 sopranos, 4 altos, 4 tenors, etc., (a) a couple of men will probably need to sing alto (use falsetto if necessary), and (b) you can transpose your chorale to a key that suits most group members.
Groups:
- Justin, Robbie, Jen, Lisa
- Aiden, Jess, David, Adam
- Simon, Kim, Ian, Deirdre
- josh, Chris, Andrew, Jill
- Joel, Mike, Kate, Dylan, Jen,
N. B. Steve needs to be added to somebody's group.
