CODARTS KM – LECTURE RECITAL FOR INSTRUMENTALISTS,

VOCALISTS AND CONDUCTORS – GUIDELINES

“What is this piece about according to you?” (after Louis Andriessen)

The lecture recital (formerly MTV-7) assignment is a preparation for the Bachelor’s final
examination, focusing on one composition or one movement. The assignment consists of a
written part and the actual lecture recital – the presentation. In the lecture recital you connect
your analytical, your music history and your research skills to your main subject, resulting in
a convincing, informed and personal interpretation.

The paper: format

Length, language and lay-out. The paper should count about 4000 words (8-10 pages) without
bibliography and music examples. Language: English or Dutch.
Lay-out: Word doc; font: 12 points; 1 line space.
Deadline: 7 December 2018. The paper is handed in to ASC digitally - together with the
score - as one PDF-file.

The overall structure of the paper is fourfold: introduction, the (historical) context, the
analytical description and the stylistic aspects.

1. The choice for the piece is motivated in the introduction.

2. The context of the piece (circa 1000 words). This chapter can be seen as a program
note in which the piece is placed within the (historical) context. Questions to be
answered here are why, when and eventually for whom the composition was written;
relevant information about the first performance(s) and the reception by public and
press also belongs in this chapter.
3. Analytical description. The analysis should focus on different aspects of the
composition: the overall structure, the phrasing, the harmony and the melodic and
rhythmic development; in vocal compositions the relation between text and music is
important.** All analytical observations in the paper should be contextual and
supported by musical examples.

** Nota bene: in some cases an in depth research into one of the aspects mentioned above
might be preferable. Ex.: Beethoven, Sonate Pathétique, introduction to the first movement.
An analysis of this introduction (grave, in c minor, with punctuated rhythm) invites to an
analysis on the level of the rhetorical aspects.

4. Stylistic aspects and performance history. This part of the paper addresses stylistic
issues and their consequence for the modern performer. What can be said about the
style of the piece seen in the context of the composer’s oeuvre? Did you take in
account the manuscript or first edition of the piece? Which other sources or documents
contain relevant information about period instruments, playing style or circumstances
that are relevant for you as a player. Are there historical recordings that show the
performance history of the piece?
Literature and media.

1. The last part of your paper is the list of literature (internet sites incl.) and media. Add
references to at least three relevant books.
Example: Stravinsky, Igor (1970) Poetics of Music – in the form of six lessons (Cambridge:
Harvard University Press. ISBN 0-647-67856-7

The presentation
The examination lasts for 30 minutes. You are expected to play and present in the way of a
lecture recital, explaining the how and why of your interpretation. It is important to make your
choices explicit, showing the committee your process and what you learned by the analysis
and background study of the piece.

Make it as practical as possible, so that explanation and playing or singing are integrated as
much as possible. The presentation should not duplicate the paper.

Some tips:
- Decide on how to structure the presentation;
- Prepare and time the presentation;
- Arrange a tryout and ask feedback of your public;
- You could use PowerPoint which helps you structuring;
- Don’t speak more than 10 minutes unbroken, but insert music examples, images etc. to
underline your explanation. Play the music examples yourself or compare different
recordings.

May 2018, Désirée Staverman