This
course will explore a range of A Cappella styles from the late 15th century to
the present day. We will start by
looking at some compositions by Josquin des Prez and follow the development of
unaccompanied singing up to the advent of Barbershop music in the early
twentieth century.
During
the week, you will learn about the history & development of A Cappella
music over the last 500 years. Alongside
this we will be learning to sing music and songs from each of the most
important periods.
"Cappella”
literally means "chapel”
in Italian. When the term was first coined, A Cappella was a phrase that
instructed performers to sing "in the manner of the
chapel.” The term was originally intended to differentiate between Renaissance
polyphony and Baroque concertato style. In modern times,
it is generally accepted that A Cappella refers to music which is sung without
instrumental accompaniment.
This
course will explore a wide variety of unaccompanied choral music from the late
fifteenth century up to the modern Barbershop Singing of the early twentieth
century. During the week, we will learn
to sing a range of music tracing the development of A Capella singing from the
late 15th century up to the present day.
Starting with the works and influence of
Josquin des Prez, we will then look at the rise of the Madrigal, both in
England and Europe, with a focus on the works of Monteverdi who's madrigals
show an evolving compositional style from the renaissance period to the
baroque.
In the 19th century, a
renewed interest in Renaissance polyphony coupled with an ignorance of the fact
that vocal parts were often doubled by instrumentalists led to the term A
Cappella coming to mean unaccompanied vocal music.
This will lead us on to
'Barbershop', which is a style of A Cappella close harmony characterised by
four part chords for every melody note in a predominantly homophonic texture.
Whilst some experience
of singing and the ability to read music to a basic level will be an advantage,
it is not essential for this course.The aim is to show you how the human voice can create beautiful
harmonies without any instrumental accompaniment.
By the end of the week
you will have learnt to sing a range of songs in very different and contrasting
styles & we might even put together a mini concert!
Website
link www.julesaddison.co.uk
Jules Addison
About Jules
Jules
Addison began his musical career at Cranleigh School. Whilst studying music to A Level, Jules also
learnt the organ and piano under the guidance of the eminent jazz pianist David
Rees-Williams. At school, Jules was
involved with the Chapel Choir, The Barbershop Octet, the School orchestra, A
Glenn Miller style 'Big Band' whilst also taking part in a number of Chamber
ensembles. Jules worked with the local
village Choral Society and, when not singing in the choir, played the organ at
school for the majority of chapel services.
Jules
went on to study music at Royal Holloway, University of London where he
continued his organ studies with Jeremy Filsell. Jules often played the organ for chapel
services as well as singing in both the Chapel Choir and Scola Cantorum.
After
graduating in 1996, Jules embarked on a career in the music industry focussing
on teaching and music production. From this time forward, choirs and
choral music became very important influences on Jules' career.
He has a passion for teaching music and particularly for helping others to
make music together.
In
2004, Jules set up 4 Part Music to offer professional mobile recording services
to choirs and schools across the UK. The business continues to grow and
he is often travelling around the UK to record choirs, schools and brass bands.
Alongside
his recording business, Jules now has a thriving teaching business working both
from his home studio as well as travelling to pupils in the local area.
He also directs an ever increasing number of choirs in Wiltshire and the
surrounding areas, with the emphasis on bringing people together to sing.
You
can find out more about Jules by visiting his website:
www.julesaddison.co.uk
