The practice of putting chords over a bass line and a melody on top – sound familiar? – exploded in the Early Baroque and we haven’t been the same since. Listening changed. Ensembles changed. And a new era of functional linear harmony began. Learn about figured bass, chordal voicing and interpretation, the Spanish rhythmic ostinati which fueled popular dances from the New World. We’ll dig up old bass line treasure, sight-sing (if we can on Zoom–if not construct in a DAW!), analyze, improvise and play. Bring your voice and a keyboard instrument, your brain, your ears, your pencil and some music paper. Students must be able to read and write music, and have some instrumental or vocal proficiency.
Learning Outcomes:
• a foundational understanding of tonal theory
• chordal construction
• harmonization
• fine tuning compositional skills
Delivery Method: Fully remote
Prerequisites: Students must be able to read and write music, and have some instrumental or vocal proficiency. Contact kbrazelton@bennington.edu with your request.
Corequisites: MTH4402 Basso Continuo LAB, Tuesday 4:10-6pm.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 3:40PM - 5:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: All courses , Fully remote , Theory
Tags: Baroque music , European music , history of music theory , keyboard music , music history , music theory