A performance of M.-A. Charpentier sacred masterpiece Messe pour MrMauroy, H.6 Chorus (SATB) and orchestra:woodwinds (flutes, oboes, bassoons), strings (violins, violas, cellos or bass violins, 8’ violone, violone),theorbo continuo. Solo singers will be selected by audition.
STANDARD: SKILLFUL
Resident: £768 Non-Resident: £605 (25% off for under 27s) Code: 25/501
Booking for Members opens at 9am on Thursday 12th September 2024
Booking for Non-Members opens at 9am on Thursday 3rd October 2024
For details on how to become a Member to take advantage of early booking, see here.
What is the course about?
This course aims to offer all the participants the possibility of discovering, learning, rehearsing and enjoying an emblematic work of the unique style of Marc-Antoine Charpentier in particular, and of French sacred music of the late 17th century in general. The Messe pour MrMauroyH.6was probably composed for a grand ceremony at the Jesuit church in Paris, and therefore encompasses much of the grandiloquent, emphatic and brilliant style that we today associate with music written for Louis XIV's Royal Chapel of Versailles. However, the expressive subtlety and the refined rhetoric, expressed in intense harmonies and sensitive declamation, are combined with the clear influences of the Italian style, as is so typical of this Charpentier, a composer as striking as it is original. A week in which students will be able to explore all the richness, particularities and challenges of this repertoire - articulation, declamation, ornamentation, French pronunciation of Latin, etc. - in order to, in the end, present it publicly, in a confident and convincing way, and in accordance with interpretative practices and historical techniques.The week will include separate choir, orchestra and soloist working sessions with the different tutors, as well as ensemble sessions.The mass will be complemented with shorter works by Charpentier, both instrumental and vocal, intended for soloists.
Tutor website: www.judytarling@btinternet.com
What will we cover?
French baroque style as found in Charpentier’s unique musical language, including rhythmical conventions, notes inégales, ornamentation, etc.
Skill in instrumental portrayal of the text;
Latin pronunciation and declamation of the period;
What will we accomplish? By the end of this course you will be able to…
Identify and perform French 17th-century music in a stylish manner using the appropriate techniques, and with a deeper knowledge of its artistic and cultural context, which will allow greater enjoyment.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Although technically simple, the music demands a command of the bow and control of woodwind tone quality for conveying an infinite subtlety of nuances.
Singers must be confident, read music well, and not be afraid to try new approaches to the repertoire (pronunciation, ornamentation, etc.)
How will the course be taught, and will any preparation be required?
The music will be prepared in sectional and tutti rehearsals guided by the tutors.
Soloists will have separate individual and group work sections, but will also have to sing with the choir (in accordance with historical practices).
Some extra pieces for the soloists will be chosen after the confirmation of voices.
It is expected that at the beginning of the course the singers will already be familiar with the piece.
Will music be provided in advance of the course?
Yes, it will be available on this website… / no, participants are requested to bring their own music. Helpful resources: IMSLP has a wide range of parts and scores. Benslow Music members may be able to borrow music from our library… / no, it will be provided by the tutor on the course.
Vocal parts will be provided in advance with advice on pronunciation
Continuo parts will be provided fully figured in advance.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Concert clothes (all black)
What course can I do next? You may also be interested in…
Baroque String Band