Folk Song

This class will delve deeply into the folk singing traditions of the British Isles and beyond. Together we will build up a repertoire of contrasting folk songs, learn about their history and social context, discuss delivery and stylistic elements, analyse source recordings and contemporary interpretations, and experiment with vocal harmonisation.

All songs will be learnt by ear with texts provided and the class is suitable for any level of singer.

details to follow shortly

(recorders, readers)

A mix of technical classes and collaborations with other instruments, and voices

The early brass will be involved in the polysemble working on Carissimi’s Jephte and the Benevoli Mass project with Robert Hollingworth.

(renaissance brass, readers)

A Renaissance Wind Workshop

The Triumph of Maximilian I was conceived by the Holy Roman Emperor in 1512 to commemorate his own name and achievement. The grand procession which was created in a series of 137 woodcuts, but never realised, contains detailed illustrations of the pomp and ceremony associated with a powerful ruler, including many musicians, either mounted or seated in carts.

The progressive workshop will take inspiration from the depictions of shawms, crumhorns, recorders, flutes etc and explore wind technique through the compositions of Heinrich Isaac, Senfl, Josquin des Pres, Lassus, Vaet, and others associated with the Royal Courts of Maximilian I and II.

Suitable for confident readers with some experience of their instruments.

French 5 part string repertoire.

The core repertoire will be dance movements from Lully's Alceste which was first performed in spring of 1674 as well as repertoire by Rebel.

As usual, we will also be available for chamber music coaching.

(baroque strings, readers)

Benevoli, Carissimi, Palestrina & more

We need a lot of singers this year! We have Robert Hollingworth as guest tutor, working on Benevoli’s “Colossal Baroque” Missa Tu Es Petrus, written for St Peter’s Rome. For all comers.

Commemorating the 350th anniversary of the composer’s death, there will be a polysemble collaboration with brass and strings on Carissimi’s Jephte. Written in the 1640s, Historia di Jephte is not only one of the earliest oratorios, but also one of its greatest.

The progressive will set the Roman scene with the music of Palestrina and his contemporaries

(singers, readers)

Taming Folk Tunes to Tell Your Story

With his experience at bringing old tunes to life with The English Acoustic Collective, Patterson Dipper, Alma, Dipper Malkin and the Emily Askew Band, John will look at how to explore and develop a tune, giving you the tools to make it tell your story, as well as giving advice on techniques and tips to get the most out of the tune and your instrument, such as groove, ornamentation and dynamics.

(ideally by ear, but music can be available if needed)

Progressive: Mr Euing's Library

William Euing, a successful insurance broker based in Glasgow in the 19th century, is perhaps best known for the Euing Lute Book. However, this was just one of the substantial collection of music manuscripts and publications spanning the 15th to the 18th centuries which formed part of his vast library. Euing died in 1874 and to mark this anniversary the viol progressive class will explore a choice selection of works from publications in his ownership by composers such as: Wilbye (whose 450th birthday we also celebrate in 2024), Lassus, Tallis, Marenzio and Ferrabosco the Elder.

(viols, readers)

For lutenists and others who wish to join.

details to follow shortly

There will be music, but it won’t be necessary to read music to participate in the sessions.

details to follow shortly

(recorders, readers)