TopMUA3133: Compositional Discourse
Mr. Martin Jaggi
Tuesdays, 2:00-3:50pm • Seminar Room 7, YSTCM
Overview
The module develops skills in discourse on contemporary music composition. Through surveying a broad repertoire of compositional approaches, students develop analytical skills and awareness of differing aesthetic approaches so to critically evaluate aesthetically diverse works in term of design, concepts and craft. Additionally, the module introduces strategies for communicating with performers about one’s compositional ideas during rehearsal and writing program note to communicate with audiences.
The module is broken down into 5 topics. They will be explored in order as given below.
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Introduction to Different Aesthetic Approaches: review of different composers with very different compositional approaches to introduce the diversity in strategies related to pitch, rhythm, orchestration, structure and extra musical influence.
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Turning theTable and Giving Informed Feedback: class sessions involve students introducing their works and participants giving feedback, asking questions, offering suggestions, relating to other composers work, etc.
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Public Speaking: the students will give presentations on their works during Monday Composition Seminar.
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Writing Program Notes: review of different program notes and exploring different approaches in content, form, style, etc. Students will write program notes on their own works.
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Rehearsing with an Ensemble: communicating compositional intentions with musicians during a rehearsal. Additionally, the students will go to a “hand werk” open rehearsal of student works and choose single composer and give some feedback on that rehearsal.
Schedule
Week 1
- Introduction to module
- Varèse, Penderecki, Ligeti
Homework: listen to pieces and prepare for upcoming class
Week 2
- Xenakis, Cage, Scelsi
- Homework: listen to pieces and prepare for upcoming class
Week 3
- Grisey, Ferneyhough, Lachenmann
Homework: listen to pieces and prepare for upcoming class
Week 4
- Rihm, Furrer, Romitelli
Homework: prepare for upcoming class
Week 5
- Introducing student works
Homework: prepare for upcoming class
Week 6
- Introducing student works
Homework: read different program notes
Week 7
- Reviewing program notes
Homework: write program note on own work
Week 8
- Reviewing program notes
Week 9
- No Class
Week 10
- Explore different ways to communicate with musicians
Homework: prepare for upcoming class
Week 11
- Introducing (student) works for upcoming Sounding Now Festival
Week 12
- Rehearsing with Ensemble (Duo Stadler/Landman)
Week 13
- Recapitulating Sounding Now Festival
Assessment
There are 4 assignments in this semester, each assessing a significant component of the module. Please note that preparation/participation is weighted highly to encourage you to both prepare for and contribute during our weekly discussions. As this module is largely focused on developing your communication skills about contemporary music, your preparation and participation will be imperative for your growth.
- Preparation/Participation: 30% - Program Note: 10%
- Mentoring Observation: 20%
- Rehearsal Observation: 20%
- Public Presentation: 20% (This will be during the Monday seminar toward the end of the semester)