A fascinating source held at Sibley Library in Rochester, NY, an original printed copy of Marin Marais's second book of viol pieces (1701) is chock full of handwritten markings indicating a whole range of expressive bow strokes, different ways of playing chords, short notes, legato passages, and more... and this has now been further elucidated by a more recently discovered manuscript (Villeneuve ms. in Paris BN) containing some of the same pieces, and many of the same markings. This on-line class will delve into the musical possibilities opened up by these sometimes enigmatic signs, with demonstrations, explanations of my process in deciphering them, and a chance to try them out yourself at home. The lessons to be learned are technical as well as musical, opening up a fruitful approach to articulation and sound production. My sense is that these lessons and techniques may be applicable to wind instruments, the violin family, and even keyboard instruments, and I will welcome adventurers ready to experiment. (While most of your experimentation will take place while you are muted, we can also unmute if anyone has questions or discoveries to share!) Open to: viol players, intermediate and up, and also open to other instrumentalists (strings, winds, keyboard). Pitch: A=415 Hz
