I level Diploma RENAISSANCE and BAROQUE SINGING
ENTRANCE EXAM
Test 1 checks vocal skills and candidate’s music experience. Test 2 verifies theory and musical culture knowledge.
Test 1
1) Performance of at least three musical pieces selected from a traditional singing method or from 7 Solfeggi by Leonardo Leo (available at IMSLP);
2) Performance of a free repertoire (totally 20 minutes) including:
– at least one sacred or profane piece from Renaissance o Early Baroque period. Suggested composers: Giulio or Francesca Caccini, Alessandro Grandi, Claudio Monteverdi, Sigismondo d’India, Girolamo Frescobaldi, Stefano Landi
– one piece from the same period not in Italian or Latin language, Songs and Air de cour included. Suggested composers: J. Dowland, H. Purcell, H. Shütz, J. S. Bach
– one aria from an Italian cantata. Suggested composers: G. F. Haendel, A. Vivaldi, G. M. Bononcini, A. and D. Scarlatti
– one aria chosen from the Baroque opera repertoire or oratorio
– one piece possibly chosen by the candidate
3) Sight-singing of an easy piece chosen by the commission.
The commission reserves the right to interrupt the audition at any moment.
Test 2 (Theory, rhythmic, music perception)
1) Sight-reading solfège, with syllables, on the treble clef. Difficulty level: complex rhythmics appropriate to the instrumental or vocal repertoire up until the 1900s.
2) Sight-reading solfège, with syllables, on the seven clefs. Medium difficulty
3) Sight-singing of a melodic solfège. Short modulations and transposition (one note up or down).
4) Music dictation of a short melody with accidentals.
5) General music theory questions.
N.B.: candidates will be exempted from the latter test if awarderd with a TRPM (Theory, rhythmic and music perception) level A certification of preparatory courses (Preaccademico) issued by Conservatorio Rossini or by one of its certified partner schools, or if awarded with “Licenza di Solfeggio” certification of old-degree system (vecchio ordinamento) issued by any recognized Institution.
Test 2 (Piano practice)
1) Performance of two studies of difficulty not inferior to Czernyana 1 (from n.25 on), Beyer (from n. 75 on), or chosen from other collections and methods of equal difficulty level.
2) Performance of two pieces, of which one mandatorily by Bach or another Baroque composer (Telemann, Couperin, etc.)
Motivational interview.