Basso Continuo and Accompaniment
Code
711021008
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Ciências Musicais
Credits
6.0
Teacher in charge
Svetlana Poliakova
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
a)To acquire skills that will enable the interpretation on a keyboard instrument (or, optionally, classic guitar or lute) of harmonies, denoted on the score.
b)To perfect the technique of harmonization of the bass and the melody.
c)To understand the historical context of the basso continuo, the differences between the systems of notation and interpretation in distinct national traditions or individual styles; to discuss the questions linked to the edition of the sources with basso continuo; to take notice of the educational strands of the basso continuo.
Prerequisites
None
Subject matter
a)Interpretation, on the piano, of the basso continuo part, on pieces and music excerpts.
b)Transcribing to a score and playing harmonic ciphered sequences.
c)Written transcription through ciphers, of harmonic sequences, contained in a score.
d)Exercises of improvisation on the piano of harmonic sequences for a given melody.
e)Discussion of matters related to the history of transcription and interpretation of the basso continuo, regarding the role of national traditions and individual styles, the editorial traditions and educational strands of the basso continuo.
Bibliography
Lamas E., Sebenta de harmonia com vista à realização do baixo-cifrado, Juventude Musical Portuguesa, Lisboa, 2008.
Strunk O., Source Reading in Musical History from Classical Antiquity to the Romantic Era, London, 1952.
Strunk O., “Source Readings in Music History”, v. 3: The Baroque Era, London, 1981.
Williams P., Figured Bass Accompaniment, Edinburg, 1970.
Williams P., “Continuo”, Sadie, S. (ed.), The New Grove Dictionary of Music Musicians, v. 4, pp. 685- 699, London, 1995.
Teaching method
Practical lessons, including written and listening exercises, interpretation on the piano of music excerpts, and discussion of historical and interpretative matters of the repertory.
Evaluation method
Among the evaluation elements are:
a) Interpretation of 8-10 excerpts from pieces of various composers, as a result of previous;
b) Written test of transcription to the score of a basso continuo;
c) Oral individual presentation.