Ensemble Music
Objectives
1. To reflect on the phenomenon of instrumental and/or vocal ensembles in its historical, artistic and practical aspects.
2. To improve the practice of instrumental and/or vocal ensemble repertoire in general, and more specifically that of the instruments or vocal types of the enrolled students.
3. To present updated bibliography that can serve as a theoretical reference for the study and practice of the repertoire in question.
4. To exercise reflection in the field of interpretive practices.
5. To reflect on how it is possible to develop a creative and unique musical interpretation.
6. To stimulate the excellence of musical practice through the awareness and manipulation of technical and aesthetic elements.
7. To improve and consolidate ensemble music skills.
8. To enhance critical appreciation of music.
General characterization
Code
01107604
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Alberto José Vieira Pacheco
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 168
Teaching language
Portuguese
Prerequisites
N/A
Bibliography
• Klickstein, G. (2009). The musician’s way: A guide to practice, performance, and wellness. Oxford University Press.
• Murray, L. M. (2015). Chamber music: An extensive guide for listeners. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Radice, M. A. (2012). Chamber music: An essential history. University of Michigan Press.
• Rink, J., Gaunt, H., & Williamon, A. (Eds.). (2017). Musicians in the making: Pathways to creative performance. Oxford University Press.
• Rink, J. (2012). Sobre a performance: O ponto de vista da musicologia. Revista Música, 13(1), 32-60.https://doi.org/10.11606/rm.v13i1.55105
• Rosen, C., & Temerson, C. (2020). The joy of playing, the joy of thinking: Conversations about art and performance. Harvard UniversityPress.
• Waddington-Jones, C. (2014). Creativity in ensemble performance: A case of intense coperformer empathy. In Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Performance Studies Network. University of Cambridge.
Teaching method
The ensemble music practice is undertaken in two weekly rehearsals. The bibliography serves as a
support for reflection on the repertoire and its practice. In the first lesson, the students will be invited to
perform a piece of music that demonstrates their level of musical proficiency. The teacher will then
form groups of 2 to 6 students and determine the repertoire to be worked on during the semester. The
classes obey a set of goals to be achieved, previously stipulated according to the individual skills in the
respective instruments. Each student must interpret at least one piece of music. At the end of the
semester there will be a recital-lecture, in which the groups will make a brief critical presentation of the
work done and the respective compositions.
Evaluation method
Continuous assessment
Proficiency and development in the repertoire under study, the accuracy and efficiency in the instrumental performance and the attendance - 20.0%
Recital general rehearsal: 30%
Recital presentation - 50.0%
Subject matter
The contents of the course are as follows:
A) the vocal and/or instrumental ensemble music and its practice.
B) ensemble repertoire in several epochs and contexts.
C) originality in musical practice and the issue of the performer as author.
D) the physical and mental well-being of the performer.
E) the expressive elements used in musical interpretation, such as dynamics, tempo, timbre, and texture.
F) musical styles.
G) the theory of interpretative practices.
H) the relationship between practices and musicology.
I) musical analysis applied to performance.