Music 214r. Performers and Composers in Early Modern Europe

This course studies the relationship between improvised polyphony and written works by composers from Josquin des Prez and Claudio Monteverdi to Arcangelo Corelli with the aim of getting behind compositions to the performances that generated them. Techniques examined include improvised canons, stretto fuga, fauxbourdon, bass patterns, and partimento. This hands-on, performerly perspective facilitates a series of reflections on the status of composers, singers, instrumentalists, and written "works" in histories of the period. Open to undergraduates with permission of the instructor.