Techniques of Musical Composition
Code
711021084
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas
Department
Ciências Musicais
Credits
3
Teacher in charge
Svetlana Poliakova
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Portuguese
Objectives
a) To acquire basic Western music notions of couterpoint and harmony;
b) To know main conceptual and terminological issues in these domains;
c) To develop analytical skills;
d) To do practical exercises of counterpoint, harmony and analysis according to styles of the different eras.
Prerequisites
Subject matter
1. Counterpoint
1.1 Introduction to counterpoint: definition and processes of evolution of the language.
1.2 Basic notions of Renaissance counterpoint.
1.3 Counterpoint with 2, 3 and 4 voices: voice leading, techniques of simple and compound counterpoint.
1.4 General understanding of polyphonic forms. Analysis of the repertory between the 11th and the 17th centuries.
2. Tonal harmony
2.1 Basic notions
2.2 Diatonic system: triads, seventh chords, harmonic functions, cadences.
2.3 Chromatic system; altered degrees and chords, modulation, modulation of the 1st degree.
2.4 Basic understanding of musical structures. Harmonic analysis of the repertoire composed between the 18th and 21st centuries, illustrating the evolution of harmonic language. Counterpoint components of these repertoires.
Bibliography
Bochmann, Ch. (2003). A Harmonia do Tonalismo. Lisboa: Juventude Musical Portuguesa.
Lamas, E. (2008). Sebenta de harmonia com vista à realização do baixo-cifrado. Lisboa: Juventude Musical Portuguesa.
Piston, W. & DeVoto, M. (1987). Harmony. New York: W. W. Norton.
Schoenberg, A. (2003). Preliminary Exercises in Counterpoint. Los Angeles: Belmont Music Publishers.
Schoenberg, A. (1999). Structural Functions of Harmony. London: Faber and Faber.
Teaching method
Lessons are both theoretical (40%) and practical (60%). The theoretical component includes explanation by the lecturer of the elements that make up the content of the course; the practical component includes written exercises, listening to musical examples and analysis of the repertoire.
Class attendance is mandatory (75%).
Evaluation method
Evaluation:
a) Writen exercises completed outside the lessons, corrected and discussed weekly in class (20%);
b) One counterpoint test and two of harmony (30%);
c) One final test, which covers the areas of harmony and counterpoint (50%).