The Early Music Department of the Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles is dedicating the 17th edition of its annual Colloquium to basso continuo, a fundamental element of 17th- and 18th-century musical language. Through a historical, theoretical, pedagogical and practical approach, this symposium will offer an in-depth exploration of this technique, which is essential for both the interpretation and understanding of early music.

An essential professional practice in the Baroque era, basso continuo was also a pillar of musical training. Its role, ranging from partimento to orchestral works, will be examined from different angles. All the instruments taught within the Department – both melodic and harmonic – are concerned by this cross-disciplinary practice.

 

 

Following a general introduction at 9:15 a.m., three plenary lectures will be given by members of the Department:

• 9:45 a.m. – Nicolas Achten: The origins of basso continuo: organological and other aspects (doctoral research)

•    2:00 p.m. – Valentin Bajou: The performance of the basso continuo on violon basses in Italy (doctoral research)

 

The symposium will continue with a presentation by Elam Rotem, who will give two lectures on suonar pieno at the end of the 17th century.

• 9:30 a.m.: Lectures illustrated with musical examples

• 2:00 p.m.: Public master classes focusing on the practical implementation of the concepts discussed in the morning

 

This day will welcome Ewald Demeyere, who will offer a reflection on basso continuo in 18th-century Germany. The day will follow the same schedule as Tuesday:

• 9:30 a.m.: Lectures with musical excerpts

• 2:00 p.m.: Public masterclasses