Baroque Solo Sonatas: Melody and Continuo

Each participant will be placed in two groups in which they will rehearse contrasting sonatas, which will have been chosen and prepared in advance.

Violinists will hone their melodic skills and ornamentation as well as developing their harmonic understanding.

Cellists and viola da gamba players will work on their articulation, propulsion and tonal variety.

Harpsichordist and lute players will tackle questions of texture, voice-leading and rhythmic impetus.

The participants will be supported by specialist tutors in each area, advising them on instrument set-up and technique, tuning and temperaments as well as stylistic and interpretive choices. Through a combination of guided rehearsals and open classes, participants will benefit above all from working together in close-knit groups, developing a sense of continuo as more than just ‘accompaniment’ and developing techniques to support each other both in rehearsal and on stage.

The course will close with an informal concert, and there will be the chance to play all together in a concerto grosso.

We will explore some of the most fundamental aspects of baroque sonata playing such as tempo relationships, ornamentation and continuo realisation. There will be a particular focus on the interplay between solo and continuo roles and the development of productive rehearsal processes.

By the end of this course, all participants will have experienced working collaboratively to perform their chosen sonatas stylishly and authoritatively.

Teaching will mostly be in private sessions. However, there will also be some open sessions and the opportunity to play all together. Repertoire will be decided and prepared in advance.

This course is aimed at confident players with an existing interest in baroque chamber music. Individual and pre-formed groups are also welcome to apply.

The course is for advanced and intermediate learners who have an existing interest in baroque playing and will be placed with learners of similar ability. Melody players should be able to prepare and perform a complete baroque sonata. Lute and harpsichord players should be able to read figures. Pre-formed groups are welcome to apply.

Melody players will choose their repertoire, which will then be provided to continuo players. We will provide a suggested repertoire list.