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Historical Performance Practice (MUSI40032)

HonoursPoints: 12.5On Campus (Southbank)

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Overview

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Semester 2
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Advanced academic study of the resources, instruments, techniques and stylistic conventions relevant to the performance of music of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Sometimes referred to as performance practice, period performance, or "authentic" performance, "historically informed performance" (HIP) is an historical approach that seeks to uncover and decipher performing techniques of the past in order to better understand the musical culture and expectations of our own time.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • explain and evaluate, at an advanced level, a range of issues involved in historical performance practice including debates about the aesthetic validity of 'historically informed performance';
  • explain and evaluate, at an advanced level, how music in a particular style might originally have sounded, as well as the links between the historical study of style and contemporary approaches to performing;
  • identify and evaluate the use of primary sources as lines of evidence for historical performance styles.

Generic skills

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • demonstrate skills aimed at augmenting independent critical thinking;
  • experiment with new ideas;
  • implement their independent research and critical reflection directly into music performance.

Last updated: 31 January 2024