Continuous bass organists (imposed)

Training organists in the practice of basso continuo on both organ and harpsichord.

Sight-reading of facsimile scores based on published or manuscript sources from the ^17th and ^18th centuries, sometimes in separate parts.

Practice in transposition. Performance of polyphonic music (a capella choir, chamber music work). In connection with the profession of organist, the sacred repertoire will be studied in particular.

Study of the repertoire of the ^17th and ^18th centuries, vocal music and instrumental music with basso continuo.

Study of treatises, as well as period exercises and realisations, depending on the repertoire studied.

Sight-reading and chamber music with instrumentalists and singers from the Conservatoire's early music and vocal music departments.

This subject is compulsory for all students on the Organ Performance course (^1st cycle), from the first year onwards.

Exempted from this requirement are students currently enrolled in (or who have already been awarded) the Harpsichord and basso continuo course at the CNSMDP.

Year ¹ exam

Internal examination organised and assessed by the teachers.

Certificate examination

1. performance of a work of your choice from the programme worked on during the year (10 minutes maximum) ;
2. sight-reading of a recitative ;
3. sight-reading of an extract from a sonata or an aria ;
4. transposition of a basso continuo.

Rounds 2, 3 and 4 are followed by a 30-minute practice session with the instrument.

2 or 3 years