What can we learn from gut strings, historical bows and keyboards? How do we execute Baroque ornaments? What are “correct” Baroque bowings? Formerly known as the Cornell Baroque Orchestra, MUSIC 4651 Early Music Lab welcomes Cornell students and Ithaca community members interested in exploring the gems and curiosities of 17th- and 18th-century Western art music.
This ensemble is open to any qualified member Cornell and the Ithaca community, and participation is by audition. No prior experience on historical instruments is required, but a basic competency on their modern counterparts is expected. For music majors and minors, participation in Early Music Lab fulfills the collaborative performance requirement.
Participants will be provided with Cornell’s collection of restored historical instruments or modern copies for the semester, including baroque violins, baroque violas, baroque cellos, violas da gamba (treble, alto, bass), and lute. For additional details and possibilities for participation by wind-instrument players and singers, write to al2255@cornell.edu.
Pitch level is A=415. We anticipate the following openings:
Violin: 6 spots
Viola: 2 spots
Cello: 2 spots
Harpsichord: 1 spot
The ensemble for Fall 2024 meets on Wednesdays, 7:00–9:00 p.m. at B08 Lincoln Hall, and the semester will culminate in a performance on December 12, at 12:30 p.m.
The “audition” in practicality helps in selecting repertoire and assignments. Those interested in joining may choose to submit a brief audio/visual excerpt, or arrange an in-person meeting. The excerpt may be performed on modern or period instruments (a short piece of music from the Baroque period preferably, all but music of all periods are welcomed). Contact al2255@cornell.edu.