Improvising early music : the history of musical improvisation from the late Middle Ages to the early Baroque

Studying improvised music is always a challenge, due to its volatility and unpredictability. But what about studying musical improvisation from before the age of sound recordings? In this book, three experts give their view on aspects of musical improvisation in the late medieval, renaissance, and early baroque periods. Historical sources show us how improvisation was an integral part of music education and how closely improvisation and composition were linked. This gives new insights into the way music was played in its original historical context and a new way to look at written scores from the past. __Improvising Early Music__ will appeal to anyone interested in the historical background of our written musical heritage and to musicians who want to gain a deeper insight in the way this music was created. **Contributors:** Johannes Menke (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Basel), Peter Schubert (Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal), Robert C. Wegman (Princeton University) The history of musical improvisation from the late Middle Ages to the early Baroque Studying improvised music is always a challenge, due to its volatility and unpredictability. But what about studying musical improvisation from before the age of sound recordings? In this book three experts give their view on aspects of musical improvisation in the late medieval, renaissance, and early baroque periods. Historical sources show us how improvisation was an integral part of music education and how closely improvisation and composition were linked. This gives new insights into the way music was played in its original historical context and a new way to look at written scores from the past. Improvising Early Music will appeal to anyone interested in the historical background of our written musical heritage, and to musicians who want to gain a deeper insight in the way this music was created. This publication is GPRC-labeled (Guaranteed Peer-Reviewed Content). Contributors Johannes Menke (Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Basel), Peter Schubert (Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Montreal), Rob C. Wegman (Princeton University) Studying Improvised Music Is Always A Challenge, Due To Its Volatility And Unpredictability. But What About Studying Musical Improvisation From Before The Age Of Sound Recordings? In This Book Three Experts Give Their View On Aspects Of Musical Improvisation In The Late Medieval, Renaissance, And Early Baroque Periods. Historical Sources Show Us How Improvisation Was An Integral Part Of Music Education And How Closely Improvisation And Composition Were Linked. This Gives New Insights Into The Way Music Was Played In Its Original Historical Context And A New Way To Look At Written Scores From The Past.0this Book Will Appeal To Anyone Interested In The Historical Background Of Our Written Musical Heritage, And To Musicians Who Want To Gain A Deeper Insight In The Way This Music Was Created. What Is Counterpoint? / Rob C. Wegman -- Ex Centro Improvisation : Sketches For A Theory Of Sound Progressions In The Early Baroque / Johannes Menke -- From Improvisation To Composition : Three 16th Century Case Studies / Peter Schubert. Rob C. Wegman, Johannes Menke, Peter Schubert. Includes Bibliographical References. Studying improvised music is always a challenge, due to its volatility and unpredictability. But what about studying musical improvisation from before the age of sound recordings? In this book three experts give their view on aspects of musical improvisation in the late medieval, renaissance, and early baroque periods. Historical sources show us how improvisation was an integral part of music education and how closely improvisation and composition were linked. This gives new insights into the way music was played in its original historical context and a new way to look at written scores from the past. This book will appeal to anyone interested in the historical background of our written musical heritage, and to musicians who want to gain a deeper insight in the way this music was created IMPROVISING EARLY MUSIC 2 CONTENTS 6 PREFACE 8 What is Counterpoint? 10 “Ex Centro ” Improvisation Sketches for a Theory of Sound Progressions in the Early Baroque 70 From Improvisation to Composition: Three 16th Century Case Studies 94 Personalia 132 Colophon 136