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Ex Tempore Playing: A Gateway to Early Medieval Improvisation with Norbert Rodenkirchen
Surviving information about Medieval instrumental improvisation practice is rare and fragmentary. Based on a combination of intensive source studies and a personalized approach to Medieval monodic improvisation Norbert Rodenkirchen – Sequentia´s flautist – offers a practical workshop on „ad hoc“ modal invention. Besides presenting some easy new exercises Norbert will also introduce selected original didactical tools from Medieval cathedral schools. We will try out original modal patterns and memorization formulae from the 11th to 13th century to find a fresh and profound way to invent our own estampies and ductiae, just like students in Medieval times. All musical materials will be presented in easy, modern notation. The aim will be to explore our own melodic inventions deriving from these notes, not just to play what is written. Open to: all instrumentalists are invited to join the workshop, actively or as auditors. The content is geared toward players with a high level of facility on their instrument. Pitch: A = 440. Tuning: Norbert will be using Pythagorean tuning, which has wide thirds and pure fifths. Participants will be muted but may wish to adjust their tuning since they will hear Norbert while playing.