15th - 17th century polyphony

The aim of learning to write is to train the ear, acquire a knowledge of styles and master the various techniques of musical rhetoric.

Study of compositional techniques and the polyphonic repertoire in the West, from the ^15th to the ^17th century, particularly between 1550 and 1600. Analysis and composition in the main genres of sacred and secular vocal music for 2 to 12 voices (motet, psalm, mass, madrigal, chanson, etc.).

Be enrolled in the advanced writing cycle.

The entrance examination is common to all the writing classes: Harmony, Counterpoint, Fugue and Forms, ^15th - 17th^century Polyphony, ^20th - 21st century Writing.

Candidates who are successful in the writing entrance examination may subsequently enrol in one or other of these disciplines without having to sit the tests again (or pay a new enrolment fee), without having to meet the age limit, and provided they have not interrupted their studies for more than one school year.

Subject to availability, it is possible to take several classes at the same time.

Programme for 2021-2022 :

• Work completed in 4 weeks over the course of the year.
  • Composition of a motet for double choir (8 voices).
  • Reference works: Giovanni Croce (c. 1557-1609), Motetti a otto voci (1594)
  • Subject given on Friday 25 March 2022: score and material due on Friday 22 April 2022 before 4pm.
• Dressing room 14 hours (8am-10pm): May/June
  • Composition of a 4-part vocal piece based on given incisions.
  • Reference works: Andrea Gabrieli (1533-1585), Madrigali
  • Hand in the finished score by 4pm on Friday 3 June 2022.

Programme for 2022-2023 :

• Work completed in 4 weeks over the course of the year.
  • Composition of a motet for double choir (8 voices).
  • Reference works: Giovanni PierLuigi da Palestrina: Motets for 8 voices (sacred repertoire)
• 15-hour performance slot (8am-11pm): May/June
  • Composition of a 4-voice vocal piece from given incisions.
  • Reference works: Thomas Crecquillon: Chansons à 4 voix (secular repertoire)

Programme for 2023-2024 :

• Work carried out over 4 weeks during the year.
  • Composition of a motet for double choir (8 voices).
  • Reference works: Luca Marenzio: Motets for 8 voices
• 15-hour dressing room period (8am-11pm): May/June
  • Composition of a 4-voice vocal piece from given incisions.
  • Reference works: Roland de Lassus: Chansons à 4 voix (secular repertoire)

Programme for 2024-2025 :

• Work completed in 4 weeks over the course of the year.
  • Composition of a motet for double choir (8 voices).
  • Reference works: Tomas Luis da Victoria: Motets for 8 voices
• 15-hour dressing room period (8am-11pm): May/June
  • Composition of a vocal piece for 5 voices from given incisions.
  • Reference works: Luca Marenzio: Primo libro di madrigali (1580) for 5 voices

1 year (^2nd year on teacher's advice and subject to availability)