Fayrfax – Everyone should practice the second line, called Contratenor, on either tenor or alto recorder. Those who would like to do more should also practice the top voice, called Altus, on alto reading up an octave.
Josquin – all should practice top voice on either soprano, alto-up, or tenor. Those who want to do more should also practice the second voice on Bass recorder (alto, but bass if possible).
Dupuits – Tambourin 1 – more advanced players should practice the top voice on alto recorder, while those who are less advanced should practice the second voice on either alto or tenor.
Frances Blaker Zoom Session Theme and Agenda
Music! And how to make it happen
We will warm-up in each of three technique areas – blowing, tongue, fingers – following each of those warm-ups with a delightful piece of music in which to focus on the particular technique. For blowing we will go through a couple essential exercises that will help you blow a flowing line with beautiful tone. Then we’ll play Most clere of colour, a lovely trio by 15th century compose, Robert Fayrfax. Moving forward in time Josquin des Prez will give us plenty of room to explore articulation through that super fun-to-play quartet, Scaramella. Finally, once our fingers are thoroughly warmed up through playing the first two pieces, and by doing some quick finger gymnastics, we’ll dash (slowly at first, then more quickly) through a vibrant duet by the French baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Dupuits.