Transdisciplinary introduction to organology as a science that studies musical instruments in different forms.
The student will acquire expertise on the history of Western musical instruments in the cultured tradition from the Middle Ages to the contemporary age, hinting at classification, morphology and practice in different historical contexts.
Furthermore, they will be aware of the acoustic principles underlying sound, with particular reference to the principles of formation and transmission.
At the end of the course, students will be able to independently orient themselves in order to investigate individual musical instruments, knowing how to make use of the main research tools (catalogues, online repertories, general texts and monographs).
Course Prerequisites
Basic knowledge in music theory and music history. Students with a good art-historical orientation will also be advantaged in their understanding of the relationship between musical instruments and material culture.
Teaching Methods
The course is divided into several sections, in which lectures, group exercises, individual student presentations, flipped classrooms, and (virtual) visits to museums and collections will alternate.
Active participation in the lessons is strongly recommended, also in order to offer a final assessment that takes into account the work done throughout the course
Assessment Methods
A) short essay (1500 words, excluded notes and final bibliography) on a subject assigned by the tutors, to be handed in no later than 15 days after the end of classes for attending students and no later than one month before the final exam date for all other students. B) oral exam consisting in the discussion of the essay and general quesitions. Final grade= 70% A 30% B
Texts
Campbell, Murray, Greated, Clive e Myers, Arnold. Musical Instruments: History, Technology, and Performance of Instruments of Western Music. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004. Sachs, Curt. Storia degli Strumenti Musicali Baines, Anthony, ed. Storia degli Strumenti Musicali. Milano: Rizzoli, 1983. Renato Meucci, Strumentaio, 2008. Melini, Donatella. Nella bottega del liutaio. Lucca: LIM, 2021
Contents
Definition and history of organology. From historical organology to material culture. The different families of instruments will be examined, starting from the principle of sound production and examining the historical development of the various types: reed instruments, flutes, trumpets and horns, percussion instruments, percussion and plucked string instruments, electro-acoustic-electromechanical and electronic instruments. percussion instruments, fretted and plucked string instruments, electro-acoustic-electromechanical and electronic instruments.
Course Language
Italian
More information
The detailed course programme will be presented at the beginning of the lectures
