Monteverdi and
Vespers of 1610
“It's like having a key to opening a door to our understanding”
Join us for an exciting journey through the world of renaissance music as we explore one of its greatest composers, Claudio Monteverdi, and his stunning Vespers of 1610.
Join us for
Around Sound:
Monteverdi and
Vespers of 1610
A very special four-part online lecture series that will take you through Monteverdi's life, work, and most famous piece, the Vespers of 1610.
For anyone embarking on the journey to learn and record the Vespers with Choir of the Earth in September 2023, these lectures will put the music in context and help you get the most out of your experience - definitely one not to be missed!
This series will be led by expert educator and Musical Director, Ben England.
Each session will take the form of a live lecture delivered on YouTube, followed by an opportunity to ask questions in the Live Chat to deepen your understanding.
- Schedule -
The sessions will be as follows:
SESSION ONE: Monteverdi's Early Life and Influences
Tuesday 5 September 2023 at 19:00 UK time
We'll examine Monteverdi's early life, musical influences, and key works - how did Monteverdi develop his style in order to have such a huge impact on music? We will cover:
Claudio Monteverdi’s background and family life
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Key musical education and early influences
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Key works and styles in his early years - renaissance polyphony, early madrigals, pre-operatic techniques
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SESSION TWO: Monteverdi in Mantua
Friday 8 September 2023 at 19:00 UK time
We'll explore his time in Mantua and his impact on the development of opera and church music - themselves vitally important aspects of wider music in general. We will cover:
Move to Mantua and establishment as the court composer and conductor for Duke Vincenzo (who was an interesting character in himself!)
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Overview of his work in Mantua, including the creation of new types of music - operas and madrigals
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Influence on the development of opera and church music
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In weeks three and four, we'll delve into the Vespers, analysing its music, orchestration, and impact on the classical world, including lots of wonderful examples and opportunities to really learn about the meaning, character and composition of this epic piece.
SESSION THREE: Monteverdi's Vespers
Tuesday 12 September 2023 at 19:00 UK time
Introduction to the Vespers of 1610
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Overview of the piece and its place in the context of church music
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Analysis of the music, including its musical structure, harmony, melody, and flexible orchestration
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Comparison with other works in the genre
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Discussion - up or down a fourth? Should the Vespers be performed as one piece or in sections?
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SESSION FOUR: Impact and Legacy of Monteverdi's Vespers
Friday 15 September 2023 at 19:00 UK time
Experimental orchestration and the development of a continuo ensemble
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Reception and critical analysis of the piece
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The influence of the Vespers on the development of the Baroque era
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Legacy of the Vespers on composers such as Bach and Purcell, and its place in the classical repertoire
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Final thoughts and conclusion.
