Purcell for Singers & Continuo
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About Purcell for Singers & Continuo
Singers and continuo players have the chance to revel in the treasure of Purcell’s solo, ensemble and choral works, with Emily Owen and Satoko Doi-Luck.
What is the course about?
Henry Purcell's rich writing for voices, spanning pieces for solo and multiple voices, stunning sacred and secular works, is the jumping off point for this course. Soprano Emily Owen and harpsichordist Satoko Doi-Luck will guide you through hand-picked repertoire that showcases the flair and facets of Purcell's style. You will explore both the technical aspects of the music and what makes it work, alongside developing your performance techniques. You will also spend time on the stylistic interpretation of Purcell's work in the context of the baroque style.
The course will be taught in a variety of sessions, giving you different insights into Purcell and plenty of opportunities to apply your learning.
What will you learn?
By the end of this course you will:
- be able to confidently perform a range of works by Henry Purcell in a stylistic and historically informed way.
- have improved your ability to work in voice/continuo partnership.
- have gained an in depth knowledge of musical aspects to consider when approaching Baroque repertoire.
- have gained experience on how to present this repertoire in an engaging and communicative way as a singer or continuo player.
How will the course be taught?
The course will be divided into several different types of sessions: solo song masterclasses, small vocal ensemble masterclasses, and consort sessions. We will be working at A=415.
To mark the end of the course, putting into practice all your learning and celebrating your achievements, you’ll take part in a showcase of your work with your fellow singers and players.
Who is the course for?
This course is designed for singers and players at the Confident and Skilful levels (Please see our Ability Levels Explained for further details).
Singers: all voice types. Singers should feel confident performing as a soloist and in small ensemble (one per part) as well as working in a masterclass environment in front of their peers. Some prior knowledge of singing Baroque music is preferable, but not essential.
Continuo players: harpsichord, theorbo players and bowed bass players. Players should be able to read figured bass confidently and play in partnership with singers.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
Singers should choose 1-2 solo songs in advance from the repertoire list provided. There will also be optional small ensemble sessions that you can sign up for with repertoire shared in advance. Choral pieces will be sent out in advance and should be prepared ahead of the course.
Continuo players will be sent all the repertoire in advance and will be expected to be familiar with it on arrival.
