Workshop Program
The Amherst Early Music Workshop offers an outstanding program of classes in Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music. In addition to our many recorder classes, we have opportunities for almost all early music instruments, from the shawm to the harpsichord, as well as voice and dance. Our international faculty is made up of some of the finest teachers in the field (bios available on our website). Faculty members listed for week-long Intensive Programs and Special Projects also teach in the Workshop Program.
Our classes are inclusive, and range from small, one-on-a-part Renaissance and Baroque ensembles to large, mixed vocal and instrumental groups. Whether you are a relative newcomer to the recorder, an experienced amateur viol player, or a dancer interested in exploring historical dance, there is a place for you at the Amherst Early Music Workshop. No audition is required.
Early morning classes are organized by instrument families: recorder, flute, viol, brass**, reeds, harpsichord, voice, and dance*. Master classes in voice, harpsichord, violin*, viol*, Baroque flute*, Baroque oboe*, Baroque bassoon*, and Baroque cello* are also offered.
In the late morning the All-Workshop Collegium gathers together all interested singers and instrumentalists for large group rehearsals leading to Saturday evening performances. Week 1: Michael Barrett conducts Latin sacred works of Orlando di Lasso and Hans Leo Hassler. Week 2: Robert Eisenstein conducts works of Heinrich Isaac and Ludwig Senfl.
Afternoon classes include Renaissance recorder consorts, viol consorts, cornett and sackbut ensembles, shawm band, Baroque oboe band, mixed ensembles, early notation, Baroque ensembles, topic classes, special project rehearsals, recorder master class, and more.
The late afternoon Baroque Ensemble Program* consists of small, one-to-a-part coached ensembles for advanced players. Aspects of historically-informed performance practice, including articulation, rhetoric, and ornamentation, are addressed in these group sessions. Repertoire will include Bach, Telemann, and Handel, among others.
Special classes will include “Baroque Style according to J.J.Quantz” and “German monody of Oswald von Wolkenstein.”**
All classes will be at a=440, unless stated. Viol-only classes will be at a=415.
Workshop student concerts featuring music prepared in class are scheduled on Saturday, July 12 and July 19, in the afternoon.
Week One: July 6-13
Baroque Oboe and Bassoon*Players of the Baroque oboe and bassoon are invited to take part in the Baroque Academy master classes with Washington McClain, oboe; and Dominic Teresi, bassoon. There will also be opportunities for small Baroque ensembles in the afternoons, where students will be coached in chamber music, and "Oboe Band" for oboes and bassoons.
Baroque Flute for Modern FlutistsAn all-day intensive program for advanced modern flute players who are beginning Baroque flute. The program will focus on basic technique, including fingering, intonation and articulation, and will include a literature class, duets, and chamber music.
Week Two: July 13-20
Music for the Hapsburg Emperors** Wim Becu**, directorCeremonial music in 16 parts by Lambert De Sayve, Georg Posch and Giovanni Priuli, from the manuscript 16702, Graz ca. 1600. The Venetian style flourished with these composers working in the Hapsburg courts. The project will include voices, cornetti, double reeds, and sackbuts, and will work towards a performance on Friday, July 18.
Offers expanded choices in the core curriculum of the Workshop, including recorder and viol consorts, loud classes, Renaissance theory, and notation, and will be offered during the second week. The Collegium repertoire will be available in early notation, if you choose. AEM’s Rogers Recorder Consort, a beautiful matched set of Breukink instruments, will be available to Workshop participants.
Fin’amor and Minnesang: Discovering Medieval Song** Anne Azéma**, instructor
This week long workshop will focus on the world of medieval solo song during its "golden age" (ca. 1100-1400), from the main regions of continental Europe: Provence, France, and Germany.
Repertoires to be considered will include songs of the Troubadours, Trouvères, and Minnesänger. Topics will include the social and historical context of medieval music making and medieval entertainment; musical notation and manuscript transmission of songs; the all-important relation of music to poetry and narration; vocal style and technique; the question of instrumental accompaniment. The goal of this brief, intensive introduction is to provide a clear and helpful roadmap for further inquiry, study, and enjoyment of these beautiful and important repertoires.
Works to be examined include texts and songs by: Guilhem de Peitieu, Jaufre Rudel, Bernatz de Ventadorn, Arnaut Daniel, Peire Vidal, Cadenet, Peire Cardenal, Guiraut Riquier, Conon de Béthune, Jehan Bodel, Guiot de Dijon, Moniot d’Arras, Thibault de Champagne, Colin Muset, Moniot de Paris, Adam de la Halle, Chrétien de Troyes, Thomas de Bretagne, Gottfried von Strasburg, Friderich von Hûsen, Walter von der Vogelweide, Nîthart, Vrouwenlop, and MANY Anonymous...
Open to: advanced singers, instrumentalists, music students and performers in training by permission of the instructor. Auditors welcome.
Please prepare one medieval song prior to your arrival.
Flutes and Drums around the World** Nina Stern** and Shane Shanahan**Classroom recorder teachers and others are invited to learn about this award-winning teaching method that energizes elementary school children of diverse backgrounds and makes instrumental music appealing and accessible to them. Developed by recorder virtuoso Nina Stern, the method uses music from all over the world and from different eras to engage children’s interest. The course will cover subjects such as recorder and hand-drumming technique, teaching improvisation, non-verbal teaching through conducting gestures, arranging and harmonizing tunes for children, working with large classes and with different levels at once, and more. The Flutes and Drums method has been used to enhance the educational outreach activities of such ensembles as Sarasa (Cambridge, MA) and the NewYork Collegium.
Documentation leading to Continuing Education Units available; please inquire.
* Week One only
** Week Two only
