HPRF 201 - Introduction to Historical Improvisation

HC CNDP DDHU

2 credits
An introduction to historical improvisation and composition for players of all melodic instruments. Using historical techniques and methods (such as figured bass, diminutions, and partimento), students will learn how to improvise and ornament 17th- and 18th-century-style music in a variety of forms. Students will learn to realize simple figured bass lines, with effective voice leading and dissonance control, on their own instruments. We will learn and internalize a collection of useful harmonic schemas using ground bass exercises. We will also learn the art of ornamentation. Gradually, we will combine these schemas to improvise and compose larger, more complex pieces such as preludes and dance movements.

Prerequisites: MUTH 132.