Baroque Solo Sonatas: Melody & Continuo

On this course, you’ll 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, you will have worked collaboratively to perform your chosen sonatas with style and authority.

You will be supported by specialist tutors, advising you on instrument set-up, technique, tuning and temperaments, as well as stylistic and interpretive choices. 

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.

Through a combination of guided rehearsals and open classes, you will benefit above all from working together in close-knit groups, developing a sense of continuo as more than just ‘accompaniment’. You will also develop techniques to support each other in rehearsal and on stage. 

Repertoire will be decided and prepared in advance, and you will be placed into one of two groups to rehearse contrasting sonatas. Teaching will mostly be in private sessions. However, there will also be some open sessions and the opportunity to play all together. 

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

This course is for Confident and Skilfull players with an existing interest in baroque chamber music. Individuals and pre-formed groups are welcome to apply, and you will be placed with players of similar ability. 

A suggested repertoire list will be provided in advance. Melody players will need to prepare and perform a complete baroque sonata. Lute and harpsichord players should be able to read figures. 

Melody players will choose their repertoire in advance, which will then be provided to continuo players.