- Year of study: Year 1, over two semesters.
- Final assessment: Portfolio
- Prerequisites: Admission to the Master of Music in Practice-Oriented Music Analysis Programme
- Language of instruction: Norwegian or English.
Course description
The course investigates counterpoint as a fundamental element in Western art music. The focus is on pedagogical and analytical methods of Renaissance vocal polyphony and partimento, and the course takes the form of practical piano exercises and written work.
Learning objectives
On completion of this course, the student is expected to
- be able to play and vary two, three and four-part cadences and harmonic progressions in accordance with the rule of the octave
- be able to apply fundamental principles for figured bass in exercises and short pieces (partimenti)
- be able to perform a fugue exposition
- master voice leading and dissonance in two and three-part counterpoint both in practice and in writing
- possess knowledge of melody creation, voice leading, use of text and the principles of imitation in the 16th-century polyphonic vocal style
- be able to create two and three-part motets in a 16th-century polyphonic vocal style
- master fundamental counterpoint methods in practice and in writing
Overview
- Keyboard exercises.
- Vocal counterpoint exercises.
- Melody exercises.
- Exercises in two and three-part scoring using the principles of 16th-century vocal polyphony.
- Partimento analysis.
- Analysis of polyphonic vocal arrangements from the Renaissance.
Structure
The tuition is normally given in groups, in addition to self-study. Individual teaching can also occur. Students will receive feedback on written and practical exercises.
The student is automatically registered for tuition/supervision and assessment in the subject in line with the progression set out in the study plan.
Course requirements
Partimento: The student will perform 10 practical exercises during the course, normally on the piano. Deadline: 15 April.
All course requirements must be met in order for the student to be given a final assessment.
Final assessment
Portfolio, written counterpoint. The student will submit a portfolio with 10 written exercises. Submission dates to be set by the course instructor.
The final assessment is expressed in the form of a pass/fail and is determined by the course coordinator.
Reassessment
The same rules apply to reassessments as to ordinary assessments.