Medieval counterpoint

Train the musical ear through writing, analysis, singing and stylistic imitation. Acquire grammatical and stylistic skills leading to an informed interpretation of the repertoires between 1150 and 1470, particularly in terms of musica ficta, composition or restoration of missing parts (analysis of works and treatises).

Following on from the programme for year A or B in 'Reading the sources' (see the study path for this Certificate): early polyphony, organum, déchant (links between improvisation and writing), solmisation, repertoire at Saint-Martial de Limoges, then the Ecole de Notre-Dame; ^13th-century motets, French Ars Nova (Guillaume de Machaut, ^14th-century high masses); Ars Subtilior techniques; introduction to the main repertoires at the court of Burgundy in the ^15th century.

This course is open to all Conservatoire students (subject to availability). It is also one of the teaching units in the Professional Master's programme in 'The Practice of Medieval Music' at the University of Paris IV-Sorbonne (registration with the university).

Written test: (duration: 8 hours)

Composition or restoration of a piece for three or four voices based on given elements (motet, song, mass movement, etc.).

1 year (possibility of a second year on the teacher's advice)

2 hours per week