Course Content - 2012

Established in 1971 by Theo Wyatt, the Irish Recorder and Viol course is designed for players of recorders, viols and other early instruments, and covers a wide repertoire from the 15th to the 21st centuries. The course structure is as follows:

Two sessions each day are in one-to-a-part groups with a tutor. One of these is with the same ‘permanent’ group each day, the other in ‘non-permanent’ groups that vary in size and players. Participants must be competent at holding a part on their own in a consort without supervision (those who are found to have overestimated their abilities in this respect may, for the sake of the other players, be asked to sit out these sessions). Other sessions include a variety of technique classes, lectures and large and small ensembles. There are opportunities for the study of consort songs, broken consorts of viols and recorders, trio sonatas and other baroque works with continuo, and contemporary music.

More advanced players may wish to join the recorder orchestra conducted by Marion Doherty-Hayden which meets every day at 2.00pm. Participants should indicate this option on the application form as well as their preferred instrument, and next preferred instrument.

A renaissance wind band for competent players of cornetts, sackbutts, curtals, crumhorns etc. meets on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons at 4.30pm. Those who would like to participate should indicate this option on the application form as well as the instrument that they intend to play (this excludes recorders). Please note that it may not be possible to accommodate shawms or other very loud instruments.

A choir conducted by Philip Thorby meets every evening at 7.00pm. This year participants will study extracts from the Mass for 24 voices by Annibale Padovano.

Arranging music for recorders has always been a feature of the course, and the Arrangers’ Competition has produced some memorable winners, many of whom have gone on to have their arrangements published. A prize of €30 (approximately £20) will be awarded for the best arrangement of a work for two or more recorders with or without other instruments. The adjudicators will need a score of the arrangement and, if possible, a score of the source material.

Music and Instruments

A large library will be available and players may bring any music they wish to study. There will be shops selling music and instruments. Participants who can conveniently bring a keyboard are encouraged to do so. A limited number of viols may be available to borrow for those who have difficulty in transporting larger instruments (applicants should check this beforehand). The course begins with supper at 6pm on Saturday 18th August and ends with breakfast on Saturday 25th August.

Accommodation

Most participants will be in the main An Grianán complex where all rooms have washbasins and where there are a number of single rooms, for which there is no extra charge. If you need one, please state this on your application form. The larger bedrooms may be used during the day as playing rooms. Some participants will be in luxury bungalows on the An Grianán site with twin rooms.

Non-players and Children

There will be a limited number of places for non-playing partners and children. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. They may come as players if fully able to hold their own with adults.

Travel

A chartered coach will leave Dublin Airport at 4.00pm on Saturday 18th August for An Grianán, and will depart for the return journey on 25th August in time to reach the airport by 10.00am. The return fare will be around €20. If you are planning to use the bus please indicate this on the application form. Rail and bus times from Dublin will be notified to participants before the course commences.