Enlightenment in music: melody, melodrama, salon opera - Serge Saitta and Mirella Giardelli

The end of the eighteenth century in France was a time of historical upheavals (end of monarchy, revolution, the Directoire) and a search for new political forms. It was also a pivotal time for art and music. This masterclass is a unique opportunity to discover the repertoire of late eighteenth century France, and especially that of the Revolution. Knowledge of the period, and its music and literature, is essential for the musician wishing to explore the music of the nineteenth century and to renew their perspective on the pre-romantic or romantic periods.

AREAS OF STUDY

• Discovery of the musical repertoire of the salon or the garden: romances, ballads, airs, ariettas and operatic extracts.
  
• Work on musical interpretation and performance (singers and instrumentalists), and theatrical work (staging musical excerpts, readings and exercises based on the literary works of the time).

REPERTOIRE

Glück, Mehul, Devienne, Spontini, Cherubini, Martini, Aubert

PROGRAMME

Monday 27 August
10.00: Welcome, outline of the course and introduction of participants
11.00 - 13.00 Workshops (singing, instrumental, theatrical work)
14.30 - 17.30 Ensemble sessions

Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29, Thurdsay 30 and Friday 31 August
10.00 - 13.00 Workshops (singing, instrumental, theatrical work)
14.30 - 17.30 Ensemble sessions

During the evenings: talks by Sophie Wahnich, sight-reading, readings and games.

TEACHING FEE

250 euros (teaching fee and lunches)
220 euros for participants of the European Baroque Academy (2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007).
Accommodation can be provided in Ambronay (bedrooms of 4-6 beds): 135 euros (night, evening meals and breakfast). Fore more details.
Participant arrival: Sunday, 26^th (evening) or Monday, 27^th (before 10 am).
Participant departure: Friday, 31^st (evening) or Saturday, 1^st (before noon).