Events

Film Soundtracks and the English Renaissance – the 'Hardest Challenge'
Join us for this Workshop led by David Swinson

St James' Church Abinger, Surrey RH5 6HZ

Workshop outline
Film soundtracks and the English Renaissance - may not be an obvious combination, but the skills required to sing on a professional film soundtrack and to sing Renaissance choral music are very similar: excellent vocal control. On a soundtrack a vocal ‘colour’ is often added to the instrumental mix and singers are required to sing unwavering long notes and phrases where the vowel sound, pitch and breath control are closely examined. The hardest challenge is often to start and finish notes with complete control and poise. These techniques are equally valuable when singing unaccompanied polyphony from the English Renaissance where each melodic line is important and must present the same degree of control, colour, and shape.

Structure
The workshop will begin with technical work based on vocal control and original film music cues which David has worked on will be used. Some of the finest British choral music was composed during the Elizabethan period and the aim of the second part of the workshop will be to work on two contrasting pieces: a madrigal and a motet, one intended for domestic performance and one for liturgical.

David will aim to go over one or two Festival pieces later in the day and we shall end with a sing through all the music covered.

Timing

10 am arrive, register and collect music

am technical work, vocal control

Coffee break

Use of film music cues

Introduction to Madrigal and Motet

Lunch

Madrigal – control and poise

Motet

Tea

LHMF – own choice

short break followed by 'performance'

End

Note

Tea and coffee will be provided but bring your own lunch.

Scores will be provided but bring your own LHMF own choice music.

Fee is £20 – payable to DCS, on the day