HIMUS 615-616 — Ear Training for Historical Performance

0 credits
Fall and Spring
Charlie Weaver

This course covers the methods of solfège used in Europe in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. An old saying at the Naples Conservatory was “chi canta suona,” or “Whoever sings plays.” 18^th-century students of the Neapolitan tradition, who went on to careers all over Europe and beyond, were not allowed to begin instrumental training until they were quite adept at singing. This course recreates that pedagogy for modern-day performers of 18^th-century music. The course follows a historical progression, beginning in the first semester with the Guidonian pitch system of plainchant. There will be exercises in modal polyphony and improvisation, approached from the point of view of the hexachord system. In the second semester, students will study 18^th-century solfeggi. Emphasis will be placed on style, vocal production, and intonation, with practice in spoken and sung solfège and clef reading.