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Solo-Voice Ensemble Singing - MUS00073I

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  • Department: Music
  • Module co-ordinator: Mr. Robert Hollingworth
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: I
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module summary

To explore the techniques and expressive possibilities in solo-voice ensemble performance, through the subtleties of just intonation, the creation of consonantal textures and the issue of vowel matching. Repertoire will be student-led but part of the course would normally be based around 16th century music.

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

To learn through performance about music for solo-voice ensemble and the techniques required to sing it. The repertoire often includes some 16th century music, as this is good repertoire for working on basic techniques of just intonation, vowel matching, consonantal textures and expressing text. However students will bring their own interests to the project and research their own repertoire which will be dependent on the format of the groups applying. Normally it might include any ensemble music from 14th century Machaut to contemporary works.

The course will not only deal with understanding the rhythmic, harmonic and melodic processes but in presenting them to an audience in a convincing way where the original social context of the composition will be very different from our contemporary one.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the project you should:

  • be able to perform its repertoire without stopping.
  • be able to place it within a historical context
  • understand the melodic, harmonic and expressive character of the repertoire
  • be using acoustically pure intervals where feasible (repertoire-dependent)
  • understand the rough syntax of any foreign texts being sung

Second years: On completion of the module, in your independent work, you should demonstrate learning outcomes B1-6+8+9 https://www.york.ac.uk/arts-creative-technologies/information-for-staff-and-students/music-learning-outcomes/

Module content

The course will be for ensembles the size of which should be discussed with the project tutor in advance of the application deadline. SAATB and SSATB would be suitable but others are possible. Applicants should be able to hold their own line in music of this type early in the rehearsal process.

Applying as a group means a firm and unwavering commitment to private preparation and group rehearsals outside the official project day (analagous to your private work in other projects). Failure to do this in such an ensemble project jeopardises your colleagues’ mark as well as your own. This project is also a vocally heavy project and students normally cut down other vocal work during this semester to avoid getting ill.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Commentary		 N/A 10
Practical
Recital		 N/A 90

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

The assessment task and timing will be discussed with students at the start of the module. The commentary will be required no fewer than 3 working days before the recital.

Reassessment

None

Module feedback

You will receive written feedback in line with standard University turnaround times.

Indicative reading

KEY TEXTS

For listening to (research different recordings) and reading scores:

Poulenc – Un soir de neige

Britten – Eight Medieval Lyrics, Sacred and Profane Op.76

Monteverdi - Madrigals

Janequin/Sermisy – Chansons

Lassus (di Lasso) – anything

Bach – Jesu, meine Freude

Mateo Da Flecha - Ensaladas

Further examples will be provided once the group formats are agreed.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.