Chamber Music as a Minor Requirement

1. Chamber Music for Woodwinds
2. Baroque Chamber Music
3. Chamber Music for Strings
4. Vocal Chamber Music

This program is open to all ensembles that include woodwind instruments, regardless of
ensemble size or composition. All-wind ensembles
will benefit from a special focus on intonation, tone, and balance
, which can also serve as a complement to their orchestral work.
In addition to foundational work, interested ensembles will of course also receive support in these lessons
for establishing a permanent ensemble or preparing for a competition
.
Please register no later than one week after the start of the semester, specifying the
desired piece and the names and email addresses of the participants, by sending an email to:
riklef.doehl@t-online.de

This program is open to individual students, as well as existing and future ensembles featuring a wide variety of instruments. In the Baroque period, there is repertoire for nearly every combination of string, wind (woodwind and brass), plucked, and keyboard instruments. The goal of the course is to explore pieces from this diverse repertoire and to become familiar with the Baroque musical language (including ornamentation, tuning systems, and much more).

The bass continuo part on the harpsichord will be performed by the instructor or by students playing keyboard instruments.

Since Baroque works are often shorter than more modern pieces, it makes sense to rotate the ensemble lineup over the course of the semester. If necessary, students may also switch to other instructors in the chamber music department.

Please submit registrations at the beginning of the semester to: isolde@kittel-zerer.de

This program is designed for chamber music ensembles with a focus on string instruments, including both all-string ensembles and mixed ensembles featuring the piano. In addition, other chamber music configurations—such as those featuring the harp—are also supported.

The lessons focus on making music together as an artistic process. In addition to working on intonation, tone, balance, and ensemble playing, particular emphasis is placed on developing a shared musical language and strengthening the sense of responsibility of each individual member within the ensemble. An in-depth exploration of the respective work, its style, and its musical context forms the foundation for a shared interpretation.

Another important aspect of the program is the continuous development of an ensemble over an extended period of time. For this reason, ensembles are strongly encouraged to collaborate over several semesters, develop their own repertoire, and build a shared artistic identity. The instruction also supports the ensembles as they prepare for exams, concerts, and competitions.

Registration takes place at the beginning of each semester; please submit the names of the ensemble members, their degree program and semester, as well as the desired repertoire, to: abel.tomas-realp@hfmt-hamburg.de

For ensembles with piano, the program will be supplemented starting in November by a teaching position for chamber music with piano. This allows these ensembles to receive intensive guidance from both the string players’ and the pianist’s perspectives.

“Vocal Chamber Music” is a cross-departmental course offering for vocal and instrumental students.

Together, students explore vocal compositions ranging from the Classical period to the present day in various chamber music settings, primarily in mixed ensembles with piano.

Instrumental students learn and experience what it means to breathe and phrase like a singer—in other words, to “speak.” A special emphasis is therefore placed on working with the text: the sound and meaning of language and their effects on actual music-making are explored in great detail.

For voice students, the focus is on gaining experience with instrumental chamber music. They learn to receive and pass on musical impulses within the ensemble, to contribute their own artistic initiatives to the group, and to develop vocal leadership through rhythmic interaction.

Together, they explore aspects such as text interpretation, sound balance, timbre, contrast, dramatic structure, and agogics. The aim is to create a clearly structured interpretive character that unites the ensemble, drawing on the diverse perspectives of all participants. “Vocal Chamber Music” fosters the artistic development of

singers and instrumentalists and broadens their musical horizons beyond the limits of their own instrument or voice.

Registration by the start of the semester at mariana.popova@hfmt-hamburg.de