From the CRMSS (Canadian Renaissance Music Summer Schools) website:
New this year, CRMSS Pacific 2024 will include the opportunity for keyboard players to explore Renaissance instruments, historical playing styles, and music of the period with Christina Hutten of the University of British Columbia as instructor. Some of the events we are planning for participants in Keyboard Day include:
- Demonstration and Masterclass at West Vancouver United Church
- Stringed Keyboard Instrument Encounter and Masterclass
- Workshop on Keyboard in Renaissance Ensemble Music
- Lecture Recital: Sights and Sounds of Renaissance Italy’s Surviving Keyboard Instruments
- Potential Class on Renaissance Instrumental Music in a Liturgical Context
We have extended our application period for instrumentalists. Applications from players are still being accepted (as of May 24).
Instruments
We are very lucky to be able to offer the opportunity for keyboard players to hear and play the following instruments:
- At West Vancouver United Church, we have access to a mechanical action organ built by Martin Pasi of Roy, Washington after historical Dutch and North-German models.
- Although this is a versatile instrument built to serve the needs of a modern congregation, many aspects of its sound, touch, and construction allow for rich exploration of Renaissance organ music.
- Single-strung Italian harpsichord built by Colin Booth after an instrument by Domenicus Pisaurensis, early 16th century.
- Double-strung Italian harpsichord (short octave) built by José Verstappen after late 16th century models.
- Flemish single manual harpsichord built by Hubert Bédard, quilled in quill, after Ruckers single manual (1644).
- A collection of virginals built by Craig Tomlinson after Ruckers (1640).
Repertoire
Students are welcome to bring Renaissance repertoire from all over Europe to work on in masterclasses. Here are a few composers to consider: Jehan Titelouze, Thomas Tallis, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Peter Philips, Thomas Weelkes, Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, Arnolt Schlick, Conrad Paumann, Paul Hofhaimer, Elias Nikolaus Ammerbach, Marc Antonio Cavazzoni, Girolamo Cavazzoni, Andrea Gabrieli, Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Merulo, Giovanni de Macque, Giovanni Maria Trabaci, Antonio de Cabezon, or Girolamo Frescobaldi. There are also many anonymous compositions to be found in collections like the Faenza Codex or Buxheimer Orgelbuch, and the publications of Attaignant and others.
Possible extension
Additionally, advanced players of historical keyboard instruments will have the opportunity to extend their participation in CRMSS Pacific 2024, allowing for a deeper dive into Renaissance keyboard music and ensemble playing skills over the course of a few days.
Level of experience required
The activities of Keyboard Day are open to lovers of historical keyboard music of every level. All participants will have an opportunity to play the historical keyboard instruments and participate fully in workshops, but masterclass slots will be offered on the basis of audition, arranged after your application to attend CRMSS Pacific 2024 is successful. Students wishing to participate as a keyboard player beyond Keyboard Day should be professional-track students or professional players of organ or other keyboard instruments.
How to apply to come to Keyboard Day
All applicants to CRMSS Pacific 2024 use the same application form, be they a singer or an instrumentalist. Please go to our How to apply to attend CRMSS Pacific 2024 page for more information and a link to the online application form.