MUS 116 A
CHAMBER MUSIC: FROM PAGE TO STAGE
Fall, 2014 Syllabus (subject to change)
Instructors:
Judith Eissenberg ()
Evan Hirsch ()
Eissenberg office (125) hours by appointment.
Class times: Tues/Thurs 2-3:20. (We’ll be setting up individual coaching and rehearsal times, tbd).
CLASS INTRO (see details of class schedule on latte):
Newcomers and returnees: Welcome to chamber music!
This class is about deepening your appreciation and understanding of chamber music - for your own listening, and to help you prepare for yourperformance at the end of the semester: Monday evening, December 8 at 7 PM .
I've been in chamber music all my life (I am one of the founders of the Lydian String Quartet, faculty in this department since 1980. Here is a sample of our work: http://youtu.be/p66Ps0RDoz4)
Through the years, I've heard all kinds of performances, ranging from:
· a bunch of people with instruments who (with minimal preparation) ran through some pieces as fast as possible for anyone who is around to hear.
to:
· a well-prepared performance that was riveting, risk-taking, beautifully shaped and thoughtful, inspiring me to want to listen again and again.
The first performance, by the way, was done by world-renowned professionals, the second - by Brandeis students at Slosberg. My goal for you in this class is to reach for that second kind of performance, regardless of your expertise and experience.
YOUR CHAMBER MUSIC GROUP
The class will include rehearsals, masterclasses, private coaching, and of course, performance (Monday, Dec. 8 at 7 pm). Official class meeting times are Tues/Thursday from 2-3:20. At the beginning of the semester, we'll meet together at those times. But to allow for sufficient rehearsal and coaching time for each of the groups, we will eventually need to find time for your group to rehearse (on your own), and time to be coached. You might end up meeting during class time, or you might find other times. All to be figured out at the beginning of the semester: we'll work out when we gather together as a full class.
So, as soon as I've heard everyone (if you were in chamber music last semester, I don't need to hear you), I'll place you into groups, we'll decide on pieces, and get started. Faculty member Evan Hirsch (piano) and I will be your coaches.
ASSIGNMENTS (in addition to your chamber music group – posted TBD on latte)
Each semester that I teach this class (as my returning students know), I like to have us all reflect a little about what it is we are doing. This semester, the theme of this reflection is Music as Idea. I'd like to explore what sorts of ideas are expressed in music, and how this might impact your own performance. That's why I've called the course "From Page to Stage" - ideas from the composer's imagination are fixed onto the page; we as interpreters of those ideas, perform them for the audience. Just as actors in theater work hard to understand the layers of meaning in a script, and then rehearse with the ensemble to create a compelling performance, you and your group will want to solve technical problems, puzzle through meaning, and artistically render the ideas presented to you by the composer. Now and then, I'll post some reading/listening and you'll submit online responses - we'll follow up with occasional class discussion. I expect full participation in these, and I hope you'll find them thought-provoking and helpful.
WHAT I EXPECT:
This is a credit-no credit class, half of a course credit( some of you will be taking this for xc as well). My requirements: no unexcused absences, learn your parts, don't miss rehearsals or coachings, try your hardest, be respectful to your colleagues, ask for help, do the response assignments, participate in class activities and discussions, play a great concert, and...expect joy.
Let me be clear: whether you are taking this for credit or for xc, I expect you to be totally committed and responsible to your group, and I expect your thoughtful participation in all assignments and discussions.
Chamber music is intimate, revealing, demanding (emotionally, intellectually, technically) and incredibly rewarding. I've spent my professional life as a chamber music performer and teacher; I look forward to working with you and listening to you. Please contact me immediately with any questions, issues, problems in your group, etc. There's always something, and usually I can help.
IF YOU ARE A STUDENT WITH A DOCUMENTED DISABILITY ON RECORD AT BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY AND WISH TO HAVE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION MADE FOR THIS CLASS, PLEASE SEE ME IMMEDIATELY. RETROACTIVE ACCOMMODATIONS CANNOT BE PROVIDED.
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