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April 12, 2024 - April 14, 2024
6:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Level: Advanced
Fee: £336
Let’s get Classical
with Julian Jacobson
In a general sense the word “classical” is used for the complete body of Western art music. More strictly it describes the glorious period between about 1750 and 1830, above all the four great composers of the First Viennese school Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, with Brahms as their worthy epilogue. These five giants brought the musical language to a peak of perfection by which all later composers have been judged, and left us an imperishable body of masterpieces.
This “classical” era is marked by the ascendancy of sonata form as the main vehicle for instrumental composition. The beauty of sonata form is that it is both formal enough for structural cohesion and flexible enough for personal expression, both by the composer and by ourselves as performers. While sonatas were the main form used, the classical musical language also allowed for many other forms: rondos, variations, fantasies bagatelles, impromptus, even dances.
What does this classical language demand of us? If we are to convey its full beauty, we need to understand the tonal language, the balance of the primary tonic key with the subsidiary keys (dominant, relative minor or major), and all the drama and excitement of the development section. But we should not think of this as dry, academic analysis but as “living form” and a way of developing colour and emotion in our playing while conveying to the listener a coherent and completely satisfying structure: truly “telling a story”, with a beginning, middle and end.
Bring your classical pieces, whether sonatas or other forms, and be inspired to develop your understanding of the classical language to enhance your interpretations!
A £70 deposit is required to secure your place on this course. The balance of fees, including accommodation, is due 3 weeks before the course start date.
Venue: Jackdaws Music Education Trust
Venue Phone: 01373 812383
Address:
Description:
Course Information
Is this Course right for me?
The answer is probably yes as we welcome musicians of all abilities and backgrounds on our courses but if you would like to find out more before you book please do email or call our office manager Karolyn on 01373812383 / music@jackdaws.org and she will be able to offer further guidance.
Observer places may also be bookable subject to availability call/email the office for more information.
Please see our General Course Information pages for further details and schedule information.
Our Courses are for adult musicians (except where stated) and take place at Jackdaws in Great Elm, near Frome in Somerset. The Course Fee includes all tuition, meals and refreshments at Jackdaws. Courses take place in the main studio, with Steinway piano, and generally follow a masterclass format. There are several practice rooms here, too.
Repertoire
For Voice, Piano & Wind courses; participants are usually requested to prepare 2 – 3 pieces in advance. We will ask you to provide a repertoire list for the tutor (& accompanist) ahead of the course.
For Ensemble courses; direction will be given by the course leaders.
Accommodation
If you require B&B, we can arrange that for you; accommodation fees are payable in addition to the course fee.
Meals and Refreshments
Lunch, Supper and morning/afternoon refreshments will be prepared on site by our dedicated Cooks. If you are vegetarian/vegan, or have a food allergy, you must let us know in advance, so that our cooks can plan the meals for the weekend accordingly. We are ‘allergy aware’, but we rely on participants letting us know if they have specific food allergies. Please also let us know if you carry any emergency medication.
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