PLUCKED STRINGS (PLECTRUM) | Level 2 – Intermediate

Citole/Gittern/Psaltery II: Secular and Religious Songs and Dances

6 sessions
Online

Course Description

Plucked string instruments such as the citole, the gittern, and the psaltery, were used during the middle ages to accompany vocal compositions, to play instrumental versions of vocal music, and to perform instrumental pieces. They were employed both by jongleurs and clerics as solo instruments or within instrumental ensembles. The players utilized different techniques for the performance of single lines and to accompanying melodies (stationary and movable droning, parallel melodic movement, and intervallic change). The use of plectrum(s) produced a brighter and louder sound, with more attack, and the possibility of performing tremolos and faster notes.

In this course students will:

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Develop plectrum techniques

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Perform pieces of the instrumental repertoire

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Learn how to accompany the voice or another musical instrument

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Learn to arrange vocal compositions for instrumental performance

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Explore a wide variety of medieval monophonic repertoires (religious and secular)

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Study rhythmic interpretation, phrasing, accompaniment and the creation of preludes, interludes and postludes

Martí BeltranInstructor:
Martí Beltrán

COURSE INFO

DATES & DURATION

September 16 to January 13, 2025
6 sessions

Location

Online

Price

1 credit ECTS: 380€

v
Languages

English - Spanish

Level

Level 2 / Intermediate

Prerequisites

Musicians with intermediate or advanced technique on the selected instrument (or has taken beginner course) and basic knowledge of Medieval music notation.

Access to a medieval instrument or related plucked string instrument is necessary. Please check with us.

Syllabus

CitoleSession 1 | Secular and religious songs: Introduction

Session 2 | The Latin song (clerical repertoire)

Session 3 | The Troubadour Canso: How to Prelude

Session 4 | The Cantigas de Santa Maria

Session 5 | The Trouvère Chanson and Dance Song

Session 6 | The Religious Dance song: Rondellus

Teaching Methodology

This course will be comprised of:

    • 6 virtual one-on-one lessons (1 hour each)
    • Recorded introductory lecture or one group live Q&A session (30 min)
    • 6 tutorial videos (10-15 minutes each)
    • Downloadable materials and links to additional resources

Schedules and assignments:

    • The class dates and times will be scheduled with the instructor.
    • There will be some suggested deadlines to submit assignments.
    • The student workload to take the lessons, review the materials and practice is approximately 4.25 hours per session.
    • Students taking the course for credit must complete all assignments and class requirements.

Technical Requirements

    • Broadband Internet connection / WIFI

    • External or internal webcam
    • External or internal microphone
    • Speakers or headphones
    • Possibility of printing downloaded materials
    • Possibility of scanning your assignments
    • Possibility of auto-recording (audio and video)

Enroll Now

Places are limited for each section, so sign up early.

The International Course of Medieval Music Besalú offers singers and instrumentalists the possibility of studying the repertoires of monodic and polyphonic music composed between the 11th and 13th centuries.

With the support of: