Studying at York
Composition I - MUS00014I
Module summary
This module acts as an introduction to contemporary composition, and addresses some of its fundamental issues. You will work on and submit a composition folio.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 2 2024-25 |
Module aims
Intended as an introduction to contemporary composition, the aim of this module is to address some of its fundamental issues. With particular reference to later twentieth and twenty-first century practices, the module develops a vocabulary of compositional techniques through the study of a range of works. You will build up a portfolio of exercises that concentrate on line/melody; rhythm; texture and harmony as a preparation for their larger-scale ensemble piece.
Presentation is through lectures, workshops, analysis and tutorials. The class exercises form the basis of workshops in which all will also take part as performers: instruments must therefore be at hand. You must be equipped with manuscript paper, pencil and a ruler.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the project you should:
- have developed an understanding of, and creative engagement with, compositional techniques as demonstrated in some key works by twentieth and twenty-first century composers;
- have acquired a deeper awareness of the fundamental issues of contemporary composition such as clarity of expression, coherence, unity and diversity within an overall self-defined structure;
- have been encouraged to discover and develop the potential of their own creative voice by applying these principles and musical techniques in their compositions;
- have developed skills in working independently and self-reliantly, as well as contributing effectively to group workshop activities as performers and listeners and by giving supportively-critical peer feedback.
On completion of the module, in your independent work, you should demonstrate Learning Outcomes B1-6 & 10
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
Assessment is through a work of duration 5-7 minutes for small ensemble of 2-5 players (chosen in agreement with module tutor), accompanied by a commentary of c.750-1000w which outlines and contextualises the compositional approach taken in the ensemble piece. Music should be notated appropriately and compositions should demonstrate a student's understanding of contemporary idioms.
Students will also undertake a series of formative compositional exercises throughout the module, which will help them explore and develop techniques to be used in the final submission.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 100 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
As preparation for (and during!) the module you should listen to as much contemporary music as possible. Look up 'New Music Show' on BBC Radio 3 / BBC Sounds – listening to this each week will give you a great idea of the diversity of approaches to composition today.
The following are also good starting points:
- Adès, Thomas: Asyla
- Benjamin, George: Into the Little Hill
- Catherine Lamb: Parallaxis Forma
- Davies, Tansy: Neon
- Enno Poppe: Salz
- Frank Denyer: Frog
- Grime, Helen: Violin Concerto
- Harrison Birtwistle: Silbury Air
- Iannotta, Clara: Spring or Some Such Thing
- Judith Weir: King Harald's Saga
- Kajia Saariaho: Lichtbogen
- Liza Lim / Lim, Liza: Voodoo Child
- Monk, Meredith / Meredith Monk: Dolmen Music
- Nico Muhly: Seeing is Believing
- Olga Neuwirth: Horizontal/Vertikal
- Per Nørgård: Iris
- Rebecca Saunders: O
- Scelsi, Giacinto: Anahit
- Tristan Murail: Ethers
- Unsuk Chin: Double Concerto
- Varese, Edgar: Deserts
- Walsche, Jennifer: here we are now
- Xenakis, Iannis: Metastaseis
- Young, La Monte: The Well-Tuned Piano
- Zubel, Agata: Cascando
Suggested reading:
- Cox, Christoph, and Daniel Warner, eds. (2013) Audio Culture: Readings in Modern Music. London: Bloomsbury.
- Cage, John. (1961) Silence: Lectures and Writings. Middletown, Conn.:Wesleyan University Press.
- Nyman, Michael. (1999) Experimental Music. Cambridge University Press.
- Ross, Alex. (2009) The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century. London: Harper Perennial.
- Strunk, Oliver, ed. (1998) Source Readings in Music History: Vol 7, The Twentieth Century. 2nd Revised edn. New York: Norton.