MUSPE 690/790 Choral Conducting
Ball State University
Dr. Jeffrey Richard Carter
Spring 2003; 2 credit hours (a component of a four hour course)
9:00 am Wednesday
This term: The Baroque Era
I. Course Description: An on-going cycle of courses to examine in detail choral music literature from a) the perspective of historically significant masterworks or works representative of various composers and countries, and b) the utilitarian perspective of appropriateness for particular types of ensembles. Skills of audiation will be developed through guided practice in listening and score study.
II. Course Objectives:
1. To develop skills for analyzing a choral score from the perspective of a conductor and rehearsal technician.
2. To develop skills in audiating a choral score.
3. To develop familiarity with historically significant choral literature and the composers of those works.
4. To explore resources available for locating, examining and discussing choral music.
5. To develop a comprehensive overview of the choral canon from the Baroque era to the present day.
6. To refine written communication skills and develop strength as author necessary for college/university faculty members.
III. Course Requirements:
A. Attendance: Since this course moves rapidly and making up lectures is difficult at best, attend every class session.
B. Requirements:
1) In class presentations: Each student will be assigned specific composers about whom to present in-class reports. The reports should include appropriate bibliographies and discographies so that others can use and learn from your work. Verbal reports will be limited to 15 minutes duration. A written report should supplement the verbal report.
2) Listening: Students will be tested (random excerpts) on style, period, title, type of movement and text, and potential composer of each work on the course listening list. A mid-term exam in class will be followed by a listening portion on the final exam.
3) Reviews: Students will be given at least two pieces of choral music. In preparation for collegiate research requirements, students will write two reviews for submission to Choral Journal, using the style guidelines provided. Students will also write two CD reviews on discs of your own choosing, provided they present music from this era. These reviews should be consistent with the style, format, and content of those found in Choral Journal.
4) Research project: Each student will complete a 20-25 minute Powerpoint presentation and research project on a topic to be mutually agreed with the professor. The in-class presentation will be on a date to be determined. It will include appropriate musical examples and demonstrate significant familiarity with the resources available to the graduate level musician in addition to a mastery of verbal, written, and computer-generated communication skill.
5) Term paper: Each student will complete a 10-12 page term paper on a topic related to Baroque choral music. The paper should include at least five sources dated 1997 or more currently. This paper will exhibit the highest standards of writing and visual presentation. Any consistent style approach is acceptable.
C. Exams: The final exam will consist of analysis of choral scores, aural identification of works from the listening list, and discussion of specific styles and genres of choral literature.
D. Final Grade:
Class presentations 30%
Participation 10%
Mid-term listening Quiz 10%
Music reviews 5%
Powerpoint presentation 10%
Term paper 15%
CD reviews 5%
Final Exam 15%
E. Due Dates: Music reviews 29 January
CD reviews 26 February
Term paper 2 April
Powerpoint TBD
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Seminar in Baroque Choral Music
Dr. Jeffrey Richard Carter
Spring 2003
8 January Introduction, styles
15 January Monteverdi
22 January Secular forms
29 January The SCH composers
5 February Oratorio
12 February NO CLASS MEETING--ACDA
19 February Carissimi and Scarlatti
26 February Schütz and Charpentier
5 March Purcell and England
12 March No class meeting—Spring Break
19 March Handel
26 March Handel
2 April Others
9 April Bach
16 April Bach
23 April Coda