MUEN 581

MUEN 581-002 (CRN 7532): Piano Ensemble Seminar, Winter 2009.
Instructor: Xenia Pestova (contact)
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Last Update: 24 January 2009, Archive

Download Course Outline in PDF

Class Description:
Concentration on the interpretation and performance of piano duet and two piano repertoire. 1 hour per week. Prerequisite: Piano Concentration 1 Examination or Audition, or permission of instructor. 1.000 Credit Hours. While during the Fall 2008 section we worked exclusively on pieces for piano four hands, the Winter 2009 class will focus primarily on two-piano repertoire. Schedule: Fridays 3:30 - 4:30, C-420.

Standard Repertoire to be studied and performed in class:
Selections from the two-piano/two-keyboard works of C.P.E. Bach, J.C. Bach, Reinhold Gliere, Olivier Messiaen, Mozart, Stravinsky et al.

New Repertoire to be studied and performed in class:
New pieces for two pianos or piano four hands by McGill student composers will be prepared and premiered in a workshop setting in the presence of the composers.
Piece 1: Disc-hegis by Alexandra Fol, Download PDF
Piece 2: Acisefis by Alexandra Fol, Download PDF, Download Performance Notes

Additional Repertoire covered through listening assignments:
John Cage - Three Dances for Two Prepared Pianos (Listen online, Score: M214 C166 D3), Download Assignment 1 PDF
György Ligeti - Three Pieces for Two Pianos (CD: 9157, Score: M214 L6 S8)
and
Steve Reich - Piano Phase (CD: 2486, Score: M214 R336 P5), Download Assignment 2 PDF
Olivier Messiaen - Visions de l'Amen (CD: 4377, Score: M214 M54 V5) - in class
Igor Stravinsky - Le Sacre du Printemps various versions (CD: 6444, Score: M1523 S92 P44) - in class

Readings:
Ferguson, Howard. 1995. Keyboard Duets: from the 16th to the 20th Century for One and Two Pianos: an Introduction.Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press. ML700 F43
Bunger, Richard. 1981. The Well-Prepared Piano.San Pedro: Litoral Arts Press, 1981. ML697 B86
Bruhn, Siglind. 2007. Messiaen's contemplations of covenant and incarnation: musical symbols of faith in the two great piano cycles of the 1940s. Hillsdale, NY: Pendragon Press. ML410 M595 B784

Assessment:
- Class attendance, participation and preparation: 50%
- Listening assignments, readings, presentations and discussion: 50%
- Each duo will give a 15-minute presentation on repertoire performed.
- Listening assignments are to be handed in as four-page papers (double-spaced) plus correct bibliography and citations (see above for style sheet; Wikipedia citations will *not* be accepted!).

Resources:
LAN online room bookings system: fill a request form for E-501 (two pianos)
McGill Library Catalogue and access to E-Resources
Chicago citation style guide (PDF)

E-501 Rehearsal Schedule:
Tuesdays 10 - 12
Wednesdays 10:30 - 12
Thursdays 10 - 12
Please see above link to check calendar for other available times.

Notes:
- CDs and reading material will be placed on reserve under MUEN 581 on the third floor desk of the Marvin Duchow Music Library.
- Duo partner allocations and repertoire selection will be made in the first class.