Unit information: Advanced Written Techniques (Romantic Styles) in 2012/13

Unit name	Advanced Written Techniques (Romantic Styles)
Unit code	MUSI30062
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director	Dr. Glyn Jenkins
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	None
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Music
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This unit will develop students’ understanding of the harmonic language of the 19th century, both through the analysis of representative models and the composition of songs, piano and chamber music pieces in similar styles. By way of introduction, the piano music of Schumann will be examined, but the main part of the course will be devoted to the work of Mendelssohn and Brahms. Exercises will vary between the completion of extracts and the composition of substantial songs or movements for piano or small chamber ensembles.

Aims:

This unit aims to introduce students to advanced harmonic practices of the romantic era through detailed examination of a variety of models (vocal and instrumental); application of techniques in short weekly pastiche composition exercises and occasionally in more extended pieces. In addition a sensitive understanding of the relationship between words and music in the romantic musical style will be developed.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Successful completion of this unit will enable students to:

1. To gain understanding of a selection of compositional techniques of the period c.1830-1900
2. refine existing understanding of vocal and instrumental textures
3. handle chromatic harmony appropriately within this style (building on techniques acquired in Level I Further Written Techniques)
4. apply these techniques and textures with confidence in the composition of pastiche compositions
5. handle sensitively the relation of music and text
6. plan extended musical structures in 19th-century styles

Teaching Information

Fortnightly 2-hour classes and follow-up tutorials

Assessment Information

Portfolio of four extended compositions in contrasting styles and genres submitted at the end of the unit (100%)

Successful attainment of outcomes 1 – 3 will enable students to demonstrate outcomes 4 – 6 in their final portfolios.

Reading and References

• Piston, W., rev. M. DeVoto, Harmony (London, 1978)

• Piano music, songs and string quartets by Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms