Humanities, University of Southampton

The module will allow you to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic rules of species counterpoint in two and three parts and in four-part chorale textures in the style of J. S. Bach. You will then analyse the form of Classical music themes and short pieces; identifying chords and non-harmonic tones, and describing their functions in context.

Co-ordinator:  Dr Francesco Izzo

The module aims to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic rules of species counterpoint in two and three parts and in four-part chorale textures in the style of J. S. Bach. As well as harmonies and their common-practice functions in late 18th-century music.

The module also aims show you how to analyse the form of Classical music themes and short pieces, identify chords and non-harmonic tones and to describe their functions in context. Allowing you to compose music for two melodic lines above a bass part, in 18th-century style.

The module looks at examples of music from the 17th and 18th centuries (Corelli, Bach, some Haydn and Mozart) and you will be required to write weekly exercises in counterpoint, figured-bass realization, chorale harmonization and analysis.

Two hourly classes per week, in groups of 15 students.

Formative assignments alternate with formal assessments.

Musical works:

• Arcangelo Corelli: Complete Trio Sonatas and Violin Sonatas (Dover Books)
• Johann Pachelbel: Canon in D, for three violins and bass (any recording)
• Bach: Four-Part Chorale Settings (any, in any edition)

Books:

• Anna Butterworth: Harmony in Practice (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music)
• Johann-Joseph Fux: The Study of Counterpoint (W. W. Norton)
• The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (for musical terminology)
• Walter Piston: Harmony (any edition)

• Four formal assessments (15% each)
• One final project, covering the above topics plus some harmonic analysis (40%)
• Each of these assessments is preceded by an informal assessment covering approximately the same material.