Viola da Gamba
This is a multifaceted degree programme in which as many aspects of the profession as possible are taught from an historically informed performance practice perspective:
- individual private lessons
- technique, études, repertoire from the various periods
- solo playing
- continuo playing
- consort playing
- regular group lessons
- methodology (teaching)
- chamber music and ensembles taught by various teachers
- orchestral repertoire, orchestra class and participation in orchestra projects
- the Sweelinck Baroque Orchestra class is held once a week under the guidance of various teachers
- regular evening group recitals
- visiting museums and libraries
- participation in masterclasses
- lectures
- attending the rehearsals and concerts of acclaimed orchestras and ensembles
Admission requirements
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest. The video repertoire consists of a diverse selection from the required audition repertoire of maximum 15 minutes.
Audition repertoire
Music from various style periods, such as:
- two recercadas by D. Ortiz (solo and with accompaniment), or a canzona by G. Frescobaldi
- a prelude and/or division by Ch. Simpson, or a piece by T. Hume
- a sonata with basso continuo by G.Ph. Telemann, G.F. Händel or C.F. Abel
- M. Marais - movements from a suite, for example Ballet and Rondeau from Livre II Suite no. 1, or compositions of similar standard
- (movements from) a Bach sonata with obbligato harpsichord
After the two-year course, students will be ready to enter the professional music world at the highest level. The student will acquire the in-depth knowledge intended in the master's degree programme by choosing to study a particular area of repertoire which will be examined in a more profound and comprehensive way than is possible during the bachelor's degree programme.
Admission requirements
Audition candidates will be selected on the basis of a video recording to be submitted digitally via the application form. Recordings must be received by February 1st at the latest, The video repertoire consists of a diverse selection from the required audition repertoire of maximum 15 minutes.
Audition
- The candidate will perform a programme which may not exceed 30 minutes.
- The candidate must submit a list of repertoire with a proposed programme for the entrance examination to the CvA study secretariat before 15 February. This programme will include a variety of musical styles. The admissions committee will evaluate the proposed programme and make any necessary changes.
Audition repertoire
(1) Pieces
- one work for solo viola da gamba. Level of proficiency: G.P. Telemann - Sonata in D for solo bass viol, T. Hume - Musicall Humours
- works for viola da gamba with accompaniment or obbligato harpsichord from various style periods: required: J.S. Bach's Sonata in D major or G minor for viola da gamba and obbligato harpsichord. Level of proficiency: Dalla Casa - Diminutions, D. Ortiz - Recercadas, C. Simpson - Divisions on a ground in D major or E minor, F. Couperin - Pièces de viole, A. Forqueray - Pièces de viole, M. Marais - Pièces de viole
(2) Chamber music
- consort music. Level of proficiency: H. Purcell - Fantasias
- ensemble music with obbligato gamba. Level of proficiency: G.P. Telemann - 'Parisian' Quartets, J.S. Bach - Arias from the cantatas or Passions, J. Ph. Rameau - Pièces de Clavecin en Concerts.