MUSPE 690/790 Choral Conducting
Ball State University
Dr. Jeffrey Richard Carter
Fall 2002; 2 credit hours (a component of a four hour course)
9:00 am Friday
This term: The Renaissance
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 Renaissance 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. 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 Renaissance choral music. The review should include at least 5 sources dated 1995 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 20%
Participation 10%
Mid-term listening Quiz 10%
Music reviews 10%
Powerpoint presentation 15%
Book review 10%
CD reviews 10%
Final Exam 15%
E. Due Dates: Music reviews 20 September
CD reviews 18 October
Term paper 22 November
Powerpoint TBD
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Seminar in Renaissance Choral Music
Dr. Jeffrey Richard Carter
Fall 2002
23 August Introduction, plainsong, writing styles and guidelines
30 August Western chant, the Mass
6 September 14th-century polyphonic Masses, Machaut
13 September Development of choral polyphony, 15th-century Masses
20 September 15th- and 16th-century Masses; music reviews due
27 September 16th-century Masses
4 October Motets and Magnificats, Part I
11 October Motets and Magnificats, Part II
18 October Motets, Part III; CD reviews due
25 October No class meeting
1 November Italian Madrigals, French Chanson
8 November English Madrigals
15 November Polyphonic German Lieder, Eastern Europe
22 November Spanish Villancicos, The New World; term papers due
6 December Postlude