HIMUS 623 — Performance Practice Seminar

2 credits
Spring
Charlie Weaver

This course begins with a consideration of the philosophical questions that lie behind the historical performance movement. What is the relationship between scholarship and performance? What is the relationship between improvisation, artistic freedom, and authenticity? The course will also address specific topics in Baroque performance practice, including expression, phrasing, rhythm, accentuation, articulation, ornamentation, instrumentation, and national styles, with an emphasis on empowering the student to pursue further research. Primary-source readings will include writings by Caccini, Frescobaldi, Niedt, Mattheson, North, and Quantz. Each student will be assigned a presentation about a particular work (solo, chamber, orchestral, or operatic) being performed in the department, identifying relevant writings and describing the practical issues the work raises for the performer.