Writing for the String Quartet - MUS00162I

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Module summary

A hands-on introduction to some key works from the string quartet repertoire, and an excellent opportunity to learn about writing for the medium.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

The aim of this 10 credit module is the introduction to some key works from the string quartet repertoire; and, with its hands-on approach, it is an excellent opportunity to learn about writing for the medium. Whilst some key works from the classical period (Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven) will be the starting point, the focus of the project will be the 20^th & 21^st Century repertoire and masterworks by composers such as Bartok, Debussy, Ravel, Shostakovich, and Ligeti, among others. The assignments will consist of three exercises concerning the melodic, harmonic and timbral aspects, which will serve as a starting point for a short and concise composition for string quartet. 

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the taught part of the project all students should:

• have extended their knowledge of the 20th century string quartet repertoire;
• have developed a deeper analytical awareness;
• have acquired a good understanding of compositional techniques as demonstrated in some key-works by 20th and 21st century composers;
• broadened their knowledge of issues concerning the composers stylistic individuality
• have developed their presentation skills.

Second years: On completion of the module, in their independent work, students should demonstrate learning outcomes B1-6 and B10 : https://www.york.ac.uk/music/undergraduate/modules/learning-outcomes/

Indicative assessment

Task	% of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation	100

Special assessment rules

None

Additional assessment information

Students will submit a portfolio consisting of:

a) three exercises concerning the melodic, harmonic and timbral aspects of string quartet writing, which will serve as a starting point for

b) a short composition for string quartet (ca. 3 minutes), accompanied by a brief commentary

Indicative reassessment

Task	% of module mark
Graduate/Postgraduate Dissertation	100

Module feedback

Report form, with marks to student no later than 20 working days from submission of assessment

Indicative reading

Listening & Reading  

 

Suggested Scores

• Haydn - Op 33, Op.50, Op 64, Op.76
• Mozart - ‘The Haydn’ Quartets
• Beethoven - The Late Quartets
• Bartok - String Quartets (all six)
• Ravel –String Quartet
• Debussy –String Quartet
• Shostakovich - String Quartet No 8, 12, 15
• Janacek -String Quartet No.1 & 2
• Berg - Lyric Suite, String Quartet Op.3
• Schoenberg - String Quartet No.2 and No.4
• Webern Five pieces for String Quartet Op.5, Bagatelles, Op.9
• Dutilleux - Ansi la nuit (String Quartet)
• Ligeti - String Quartet No 1 & 2
• Lutoslawski – String Quartet
• Penderecki – String Quartets No 1 & 2
• Maconchy (especially No 8)
• LeFanu – String Quartet No.2
• Kurtag – 12 Micro-interludes, String Quartet No1
• Scelsi (especially No 5)

 

Suggested Reading List

• Griffiths, Paul. The String Quartet, Bath: Thames and Hudson, 1983
• Stowell, Robin ed. The Cambridge Companion to the String Quartet. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2003

• Jarman, Douglas ed. The Twentieth Century String Quartet. Lancashire: Arc Publications, 2002 Cambridge
• Clark, Caryl, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Haydn, Cambridge; Cambridge University Press, 2005

• Irving, John. Mozart: The ‘Hayden’ Quartets. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998
• Kerman, Joseph. The Beethoven Quartets. London: Oxford University Press, 1967
• Winter, Robert and Robert Martin, eds. The Beethoven Quartet Companion. London: University of California Press, Ltd., 1994