Unit information: Further Written Techniques in 2012/13

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Unit name Further Written Techniques
Unit code MUSI20055
Credit points 20
Level of study I/5
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 the analysis of representative movements and the composition of short pastiche exercises in these styles. It will deal, in the main, with song accompaniments in the style of Schubert, though some attention will also be given to classical string quartet writing in the style of Haydn and Mozart.

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:

  1. identify key compositional techniques in the music of the classical and early romantic periods
  2. describe the function of chromaticism within the melodic and harmonic idioms of classical and early romantic composers
  3. relate surface ornament to underlying structure
  4. compose short extracts in classical and romantic styles
  5. compose effective musical settings of poetic texts
  6. develop and demonstrate an understanding of vocal and instrumental textures in the classical and early romantic periods

Teaching Information

Weekly 2-hour lectures.

Assessment Information

Weekly exercises, two of which count towards your coursework mark. All exercises, however, must be completed and handed in on time for the award of credit points.

At the end of the unit: an extended final assignment, set in the last class.

The final mark for the unit will be reached in the following way:

  • Two coursework exercises: 25% each
  • Extended final assignment: 50%

Successful attainment of outcomes 1 – 3 will enable students to demonstrate 4 – 6.

Reading and References

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

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

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