B8755 - LABORATORIO DI STORIA DEGLI STRUMENTI E DELL'ORCHESTRA (1) (LM)

Learning outcomes

At the end of the laboratory, students: - will know about the main stages in the history of the orchestra and orchestral direction, from the origins to our days; - after carrying out practical sessions focusing on compositions from the 17th to the 20h century, they will be able to recog-nize the essential principles of orchestral writing.

Course contents

The workshop is an in-depth exploration of the main stages in the history of orchestra and orchestral conducting, from the origins to our days. The key principles of orchestral writing will be discussed in lessons addressing the analysis of compositions from the 17^th to the 20^th century.

Readings/Bibliography

- L. Taschera, Forma e gesto nella composizione orchestrale. Linee guida per una lettura della partitura, Bologna, CLUEB, 2000.

 

For further insights into the role of the conductor, we recommend reading:

- I. Cavallini, Il direttore d’orchestra. Genesi e storia di un’arte, Venezia, Marsilio, 1998 oppure Milano, Curci, 2023 (disponibile anche su Virtuale).

 

To fully benefit from the workshop, students must have a thorough understanding of:

- S. Adler, Lo studio dell’orchestrazione, Torino EDT, 2008, pp. 3-605 (in the Biblioteca del Dipartimento delle Arti, section of Musica e Spettacolo, students will find also the CDs with Musical Examples).

Students who lack adequate knowledge of music history from the 17^th to the 20^th century are advised to read:

- E. Surian, Manuale di Storia della musica, vol. II: Dalla musica strumentale del Cinquecento al periodo classico (5^th ed., Milano, Rugginenti, 2010), vol. III: L’Ottocento: la musica strumentale e il teatro d'opera (5^th ed., ibid., 2014), vol. IV: Il Novecento (4^th ed., ibid., 2017).

 

NB: This workshop represents a natural continuation of the course "History of Instruments and of the Orchestra (1) (LM)", which introduces and analyses topics relating to the history, construction, sound and timbre characteristics as well as the use of the main musical instruments of the orchestra.

Class size for the workshop is limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Applications must be submitted by 31 October 2026, via email, at elisabetta.pasquini@unibo.it. Priority will be given to applicants who have taken the examination for or attended the course "History of Instruments and of the Orchestra (1) (LM)", as this workshop forms an integral part of the above course.

To pass the course, students must attend at least 80% of the lessons.

 

NB 2: Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is suggested that they get in touch as soon as possible with the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) and with the lecturer in order to seek together the most effective strategies for following the lessons and/or preparing for the examination.

 

Assessment methods

The final exam will consist in an oral discussion of an analysis of an orchestral score of their choice, from the period between the 17^th and the 20^th century. The analysis will concern the most significant elements in the orchestral writing.

It will be assessed as positive the performance of those students achieving an organic vision of the course contents, the use of a proper specific language, the originality of the reflection as well as the familiarity with the tools for analysing the orchestral writing. It will be assessed as insufficient the performance of those students showing learning gaps, inappropriate language, no orientation within the recommended bibliography and inability to analyse the orchestral writing.

 

NB: Students with SLD or temporary or permanent disabilities. It is necessary to contact the relevant University office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en ) with ample time in advance: the office will propose some adjustments, which must in any case be submitted 15 days in advance to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of these in relation to the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Elisabetta Pasquini