This challenging course invites students to apply a variety of analytical theories to the problems of interpretation. Following a series of introductory lectures, the class focuses on specific compositions by Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Selected pieces are performed by the students and are both discussed and coached by the class. Appropriate analytical readings are discussed, and different recordings of the same work are compared and critiqued. This final year integrates advanced musicianship studies with an investigation of 20th century musical materials.
Students sing atonal melodies and dictation in two, three, and four parts.
Fluency in five clefs is demonstrated through the performance of Bach chorales in open score and sight-transposition of orchestral scores. Emphasis is also placed on rhythmic notation and the mastery of polyrhythms.