A new aesthetic of rhythm

A film by Aurélien Poidevin on the research project led by William Dongois.

This project extends work already carried out at the HEM on the theme of reduction and ornamentation (Impropal, Mersenne and Ganassi), each time treated in a general form. The common points observed during these projects encourage me to make this omnipresent question of cadences the bridge that connects the music practices of the 16th century to those of the 17th. The new project will consist of establishing an online database from cadenzas extracted from the polyphonic repertoire and sonatas which will be grouped by type and linked to the examples given in the treatises. Then, a practical phase will consist of putting these examples in relation to the vocal and instrumental repertoire of the 16th and 17th centuries during "in vivo" experiments with students from the HEM, the CRR of Paris and the CNSM of Lyon which will allow explore the expressive impact in a given repertoire of the use of cadences proposed in the treatises. These experiences will comply with the recommendations of numerous sources, which will allow participants to gain unprecedented familiarity with ancient ornamentation and reduction practices. Using the computer will make it possible to shorten the long learning process necessary to acquire the performance skills targeted by the project and to give musicians the opportunity to confront a sort of virtual authority offering great quantity of possible musical combinations. The results of the project will also consist of putting various sound examples online and anthologies of cadences put into practice.