In late June, the Department of Music hosted a five-day workshop that explored the world of early choral music. Officially titled the “Summer Institute for Late Medieval Polyphony”, the workshop was organized by Associate Professor Emily Zazulia, along with faculty from Stanford and Princeton Universities, to provide training in the performance and interpretation of polyphonic music from the early Renaissance through an immersive, face-to-face experience of ensemble singing.
Focused on the music of Josquin des Prez, participants experienced the thrill of performing some of the most intricately designed and artistically rewarding music of the period, guided by the internationally renowned early music ensemble Cut Circle. Over the five days, participants honed the unique set of vocal techniques, sight-reading skills, and ensemble habits needed to bring this music fully alive. In addition to rehearsals, the program featured more acadmic sessions on topics such as "Music in the Renaissance," “A Crash Course in Mensural Notation,” “Sight-Singing from Original Sources,” "Music in Courts and Cathedrals, and “Appreciating Josquin.”
The workshop was elevated by an afternoon spent studying the Department of Music’s extensive collection of early manuscripts and prints, with Professor Zazulia lending her expertise to explain the production, historical notations, and enduring legacy of these important books.
At the culmination of the five-day event, participants put on a concluding concert, open to the public, which gave participants an opportunity to synthesize what they learned through performance together with Cut Circle.
Speaking on the opportunity, participant Flannery McIntyre said “Getting to work with Emily, Jesse, and Jamie, alongside Cut Circle, was an amazing experience. I learned so much about how to instruct and work with ensembles, while getting to sing beautiful and fascinating music. It was inspiring to see so many people passionate about 15th century music in one place!”
A sincere thanks to Professor Zazulia and all other participants who made this special event possible. The Department of Music is committed to providing opportunities like these for students and the public. If you would like to help us continue our strong tradition of academic events that are available to the public, please consider making a gift to the department