Unit information: Further Written Techniques (Song accompaniment and/ or classical string quartet writing, 1770-1830) in 2011/12

Unit name	Further Written Techniques (Song accompaniment and/ or classical string quartet writing, 1770-1830)
Unit code	MUSIM0144
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
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 introduce students to the compositional techniques of the classical and early romantic periods, both through analysis of representative examples and the composition of short pastiche exercises in these styles. It will deal (a) with classical string quartet writing in the style of Haydn and Mozart and (b) the composition of songs in the style of Schubert.

Aims:

This unit aims to introduce fundamental compositional procedures of the classical and early romantic periods through detailed study of chamber music and lieder repertories. Strategies for the appropriate musical setting of texts will also be investigated.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• identify key compositional techniques in the music of the classical and early romantic periods

• compose short extracts in classical and romantic styles

• compose effective musical settings of poetic texts

• develop and demonstrate an understanding of vocal and instrumental textures in the classical and early romantic periods

• describe the function of chromaticism within the melodic and harmonic idioms of classical and early romantic composers

• relate surface ornament to underlying structure

Teaching Information

Lectures (1 hr per week) and follow-up tutorials.

Assessment Information

A selection of coursework exercises (50%); final assessed exercise (50%).

Reading and References

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

• String Quartets and songs by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert