Cambridge Early Music Summer Schools 2008

RENAISSANCE MUSIC: The Triumphs of Maximilian, 3-10 August

Philip Thorby and Friends

Course description

An intensive week of exploration of the glories of C15th and C16th music. This year our theme is The Triumphs of Maximilian. The music will chiefly be by Senfl and Isaac, including secular songs and instrumental pieces, dances, and towering sacred works such as Senfl's great 6-part reworking of Josquin's Ave Maria; the same composer's monumental Haec est dies; and Isaac's Virgo Prudentissima. Repertoire will vary from large-scale madrigals or motets involving everyone, to intimate, small-scale consort music for all combinations of voices and instruments. The tutors will be in residence all week for coaching and workshops on all aspects of Renaissance ensemble performance. Opportunities to try new instruments may be presented. Plenty of music will be provided, but you are also invited to bring your own sets of parts and scores if you wish. Please indicate on the application form if there are particular pieces or composers you wish to study.

Tutors

Philip Thorby, a powerhouse of energy and inspiration, is Director of Musica Antiqua of London and a Senior Fellow of Trinity College of Music. An unequalled performer on both viol and recorder, he is also a magnificent singing tutor and director. Lute-player Jacob Heringman has performed and recorded with numerous English ensembles, as soloist and ensemble/continuo player, and made several highly acclaimed CDs with Catherine King and his own group, Virelai. Keith McGowan is a notable player and teacher of shawm, cornett, sackbut, renaissance flute and curtal. He plays at the Globe Theatre in London and in many renaissance ensembles. David Hatcher studied viola da gamba with Charles Medlam and recorder with Philip Thorby. He has performed with his own ensemble Harmonie Universelle and as a guest with The New London Consort and Fretwork. His recordings include CDs with Evelyn Tubb, Chelys, Sprezzatura, and the Japanese ensembles Ensemble Ecclesia and the Bach Collegium of Japan. He has also appeared on Japanese national television, and his recordings with the Consort of Musicke, Evelyn Tubb and Bach Collegium of Japan are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3. He also teaches early dance.

Is it for me?

We invite applications from singers, and from players of viols, recorders, lutes, sackbuts, cornetts, shawms and other Renaissance instruments at A=440. Players of Renaissance viols and recorders will be especially welcome. Recorder players should be familiar with all sizes (descant to bass), unless offering another instrument or voice as well. Applicants should have a good standard of sight-reading and be able to hold a line confidently on their own. Those applying as singers will be encouraged to take solo parts as well as singing in ensembles. Those applying as instrumentalists will also have opportunities to sing if they wish. If you are unsure about your standard, please email or phone 01223 847330 to discuss.

Concerts

The course will begin with a recital by Jacob Heringman in Little St Mary's Church. The tutors will give a full-length concert on Wednesday 6th August. On the final evening all course members will participate in an informal concert, in which we will perform a selection of the pieces studied during the week. All concerts are open to the public, and participants attend them free of charge. (See Concerts for further details.) There will be a party after the final concert.

Dates and times

Participants should aim to arrive in time for the recital at 4.00pm on Sunday 3rd August. Most days there is a free period of 2-3 hours after lunch, for practice or rest, but the remainder of each day is filled with music - and meals - from morning to night! The course ends with breakfast on Sunday 10th August (or after the Saturday night party for non-residents). You may stay longer if you wish (please indicate on the application form).

Fees

The residential charge, including all meals, tea and coffee, tuition and concerts, for the week is £750. The supplement if you would like an en-suite room is £17 per night, totalling £119 for the week. Local residents and others finding their own bed and breakfast accommodation pay £640. Observers pay £710 (resident) or £600 (non-resident). Daily charges and half-board rates are available on request. Some financial assistance may be available: please see Bursaries.

Contact: info@cambridgeearlymusic.org  +44 (0) 1223 847330   Selene Mills, Trinity College, Cambridge CB2 1TQ, UK
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