Studying at York
Solo-Voice Ensemble Singing - MUS00073I
- Department: Music
- Credit value: 20 credits
- Credit level: I
- Academic year of delivery: 2024-25
Module summary
To explore the techniques and expressive possibilities in solo-voice ensemble performance, through the subtleties of just intonation, the creation of consonantal textures and the issue of vowel matching. Repertoire will be student-led but part of the course would normally be based around 16th century music.
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| A | Semester 1 2024-25 |
Module aims
To learn through performance about music for solo-voice ensemble and the techniques required to sing it. The repertoire often includes some 16th century music, as this is good repertoire for working on basic techniques of just intonation, vowel matching, consonantal textures and expressing text. However students will bring their own interests to the project and research their own repertoire which will be dependent on the format of the groups applying. Normally it might include any ensemble music from 14th century Machaut to contemporary works.
The course will not only deal with understanding the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic processes but in presenting them to an audience in a convincing way where the original social context of the composition will be very different from our contemporary one.
Module learning outcomes
By the end of the taught part of the project you should:
- be able to perform its repertoire without stopping.
- be able to place it within a historical context
- understand the melodic, harmonic and expressive character of the repertoire
- be using acoustically pure intervals where feasible (repertoire-dependent)
- understand the rough syntax of any foreign texts being sung
Second years: On completion of the module, in your independent work, you should demonstrate learning outcomes B1-6+8+9 https://www.york.ac.uk/arts-creative-technologies/information-for-staff-and-students/music-learning-outcomes/
Module content
The course will be for ensembles the size of which should be discussed with the project tutor in advance of the application deadline. SAATB and SSATB would be suitable but others are possible. Applicants should be able to hold their own line in music of this type early in the rehearsal process.
Applying as a group means a firm and unwavering commitment to private preparation and group rehearsals outside the official project day (analagous to your private work in other projects). Failure to do this in such an ensemble project jeopardises your colleagues’ mark as well as your own. This project is also a vocally heavy project and students normally cut down other vocal work during this semester to avoid getting ill.
Indicative assessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 10 |
| Practical | 90 |
Special assessment rules
None
Additional assessment information
The assessment task and timing will be discussed with students at the start of the module. The commentary will be required no fewer than 3 working days before the recital.
Indicative reassessment
| Task | % of module mark |
|---|---|
| Essay/coursework | 10 |
| Practical | 90 |
Module feedback
You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.
Indicative reading
KEY TEXTS
For listening to (research different recordings) and reading scores:
Poulenc – Un soir de neige
Britten – Eight Medieval Lyrics, Sacred and Profane Op.76
Monteverdi - Madrigals
Janequin/Sermisy – Chansons
Lassus (di Lasso) – anything
Bach – Jesu, meine Freude
Mateo Da Flecha - Ensaladas
Further examples will be provided once the group formats are agreed.