Historical instruments
Numerous historical instruments can be studied at the Trossingen University of Music: voice, historical keyboard instruments (harpsichord, historical organ, fortepiano, clavichord), violin/viola, violoncello, viola da gamba, lute/theorbo/guitar, oboe, bassoon/dulcian, cornett, recorder, transverse flute, trumpet, clarinet, horn. The university has an extensive collection of instruments for this purpose.
Minor Subjects
Minor subjects complement and expand the knowledge of the main instrument: improvisation, basso continuo, historical theory of composition, analysis of works, ear training, performance practice, baroque dance, historical tunings, study of instruments, notation and sources, music history, musicological lectures and seminars, scenic performance as well as body and movement work for singers, pedagogy, methodology.
In masterclasses and intensive ensemble practice, students participate in chamber music and consort groups, the Baroque Orchestra, Renaissance and vocal ensembles, and in dance and stage work.
Ensemble Work and Chamber Music
Ensembles such as the Baroque Orchestra and the 17th Century Ensemble have a central role in Early Music education. Thus, in addition to activities as a soloist, the focus is on chamber music as well as orchestral literature. A broad professional competence in historical performance practice is trained, which is continuously and comprehensively developed. This applies equally to students of historical and modern instruments in the Early Music secondary profile.
The 17th century ensemble (see photo) provides the forum for large ensemble works with singers and scene from the period from about 1580 to about 1700. Here, we work theoretically and practically on madrigal, canzona, mass, masque, motet, consort, song, singspiel, oratorio and opera. A highlight every year in early summer are the mountain concerts in the pilgrimage church on the Dreifaltigkeitsberg.
