Figured Bass Realisation 1 (MUSI40103)
HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 1 |
|---|---|
| Fees | Look up fees |
Students in this class will learn how to realise at their instrument a figured bass from the seventeenth or eighteenth century in a stylish and idiomatic fashion.
We first learn how to read simple figures before progressing to more complex ones. Attention will be paid to correct voice-leading, melodic and harmonic improvisation, and differentiating between the predominant national styles.
This subject will be of interest to any keyboardist or harmony-generating instrumentalist who wishes to refine their contrapuntal skills and knowledge as well as learn how to participate effectively in over two centuries of repertoire.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the principal developments in basso continuo styles and techniques;
- realise at sight a moderately difficult piece of basso continuo;
- develop foundational practical skills in the performance practice issues related to basso continuo;
- interpret stylistic and historical factors that have influenced the culture of figured bass realization from the seventeenth century to now;
- evaluate and criticise source materials and secondary literature in this field, as well as critique contemporaneous figured bass realisations;
- critique and evaluate contemporaneous figured bass realisations.
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed:
- a receptive attitude to new ideas;
- the capacity for independent and critical reflection;
- knowledge, skills and practices required for independent critical inquiry and research-based writing and presentation;
- the ability to identify and critically analyse primary source materials.
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUSI30257 | Figured Bass Realisation 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Southbank) |
12.5 |
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Assessment
| Description | Timing | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
3 short notated realisations with commentary. Realisation 1 due in week 4, realisation 2 and 3 due in week 10
| During the teaching period | 40% |
Final 15-minute exam (sight reading, improvisation, transpositions, prepared piece)
| During the assessment period | 50% |
Ongoing active participation in class workshops and discussions
| Throughout the teaching period | 10% |
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 1
Coordinator Donald Nicolson Mode of delivery On Campus (Southbank) Contact hours 36 hours comprising, one 3-hour tutorial per week. Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025 Last self-enrol date 14 March 2025 Census date 31 March 2025 Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025 Assessment period ends 27 June 2025 Semester 1 contact information
Donald Nicolson: dnicolson@unimelb.edu.au
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Additional delivery details
Delivery
This subject is co-delivered with MUSI30257 Figured Bass Realisation 1
Last updated: 4 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Course Graduate Diploma in Music Course Master of Music (Opera Performance) Informal specialisation Composition Informal specialisation Musicology/Ethnomusicology Informal specialisation Performance
Last updated: 4 March 2025