Admission requirements for BA and part time studies - Harpsichord

 

 

 

 

 

 

Early baroque piece(s) (in cc. 5-7 minutes)

 

To be chosen from J. S. Bach:
a) 1 Prelude and Fugue from Wohltemperiertes Klavier or
b) 3 movements of a Suite or
c) 3 movements of a Partita17th or 18th century French harpsichord music – 2 or 3 pieces

 

One Sonata by D. Scarlatti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

GENERAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS - ONLY FOR FULL-TIME BA STUDIES

 

 

A. SOLFEGE, MUSIC THEORY

 

General requirements: in-depth understanding of the theory of classical harmony (diatonic and chromatic triads and seventh-chords). Writing and playing of four-part harmonic progressions in closed position with appropriate voice-leading (see rules of keyboard harmony); knowledge of Baroque and Viennese classical forms and genres.

 

Written examination

 

1. Dictation of a short chorale excerpt by J. S. Bach. Expectations: notation of the outer parts (soprano and bass); indication of the harmonic progression with figures above or below the bass line (figured bass)

2. Writing out, in close voicing, of a four-part harmonic progression (Roman and Arabic numerals of keyboard harmony are used)

3. Dictation of a tonal two-part musical excerpt.

4. Dictation of an atonal twentieth-century musical excerpt.

5. Dictation of a two- three- and four-part harmonic progression series (ca. 10 intervals, triads or seventh chords).

6. Dictation of the rhythm of an atonal musical excerpt (ca. 6 measures). 

 

Oral examination

 

1. Playing (on the keyboard) of four-part harmonic progressions in closed position with appropriate voice-leading.

2. Assessment of the applicant’s knowledge of form on the basis of a detailed formal analysis of the musical pieces performed at the instrumental audition. Extra copies of the scores have to be provided by the applicant.

3. Sight-singing of a tonal melody in unison.

4. Recognition and singing of intervals, triads and seventh-chords on a given pitch.

 

B. PIANO AS COMPULSORY SUBJECT

 

1. Bach: two pieces from Bach's Three Part Inventions, or a Prelude and Fugue from the Wohltemperiertes Klavier.

2. A full sonata by Haydn, Mozart or Beethoven.

3. Two solo pieces - one should be by a Hungarian composer from Bartok until contemporary

 

C. FOLK MUSIC

 

Informal conversation about the folk music of the candidate's country.

  
...a country (Hungary) whose population, even today, is barely over ten million has produced so many musicians and so much outstanding music. I am grateful for having been born and trained there. (Sir Georg Solti)