Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren. Polychoral music for voices and instruments.
Freshford Village Hall, Freshford, Bath. BA2 7UR
10am - 5pm
https://swemf.org.uk/event/12479/
The Workshop
The German hymn "Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren" (Now praise, my soul, the Lord – a paraphrase of Psalm 103 by Johann Gramann) was a popular subject for composers working in the German-speaking lands who adopted the Venetian polychoral style during the 16th and 17th centuries.
A wonderful day of polychoral splendour is being planned, for voices and Renaissance instruments.
Pitch will be A=440, and applicants should be able to read a vocal score or instrumental part with confidence.
Detailed programme:
• a8 [Psalm 103] - Johannes Kugelman Nun lob mein Seel den Herren
• a9 [Psalm 128] - Christoph Straus Beati omnes
• a12 [Psalm 31] - Hans Leo Hassler In te Domine speravi
• a16 [Psalm 150] - Jacob Handl (aka Jacobus Gallus) Laudate Dominum
A note from our tutor:
While seeking inspiration for our day together, I came across a Lutheran hymn composed in 1525, over 400 years ago, and discovered a compelling arrangement of the same by Johannes Kugelman. This scholarly composition is dated 1568, though it was likely printed earlier, around 1540, and is set to text loosely based on Psalm 130. This feature prompted me to explore other Germanic musical settings of psalm texts, which now comprise the repertoire for our workshop: Christoph Straus Beati omnes a9 (Psalm 128); Hans Leo Hassler In te Domine speravi a12 (Psalm 31); and Jacob Handl Laudate Dominum a16 (Psalm 150), alongside Kugleman's setting of Nun lob, mein Seel, den Herren a8.
I look forward to exploring these different musical psalms together with singers and instrumentalists, which I hope will be diverse, engaging and enjoyable for all.
The Tutor
Welsh virtuoso historical trombonist Stephanie Dyer enjoys a career as Early musician, modern performer and educator. Born and raised in South Wales, Stephanie studied at King’s College, Cambridge, Royal Academy of Music, London and Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, Switzerland. She performs with internationally renowned historic brass group His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts, of which she has been a member since 2016; and is principal trombone of Orkest van de Achttiende Eeuw in Holland, one of the most distinguished period instrument orchestras in the world. Stephanie's performance activities are diverse: equally at home in theatres and studios as on the concert platform, she was trombonist and cover conductor for Disney's Aladdin the musical (UK/Ireland Tour, 2023–25) and part of last year's Songs of Praise Christmas Special, 'Candlelit Christmas', broadcast on BBC One.
A devoted teacher, Stephanie is Baroque Trombone professor at the Royal Academy of Music and teaches trombone at the University of Cambridge. She is also a passionate workshop leader across the UK and internationally, including for the regional Early Music Fora (2021–), Beauchamp Adult Early Music Course (2024–); International Early Music Summer School, Ścinawka Górna (Poland, 2017–), Warsaw Sackbut & Cornett Festival (2021–); and for Alta Capella Vianensis (the Netherlands, 2022–).
The Venue
The village hall is within walking distance of Freshford station on the Bath Spa to Salisbury line, and has ample private parking. We have access to a kitchen: tea and coffee will be provided. The Galleries Shop and Cafe next door closes at 12.30pm.
Further Details and Application Forms:
To book multiple places on a workshop, please fill in a separate form for each person, but a single payment is fine.
Workshop information (to print out and keep)
Paper booking form (to print out and post)
Poster (image format)
Poster (pdf format)
Online application form:
Please note:
- The online form below does not currently support the special 18-25's price. If you fall into this category, please explain in the "Other information" box and send the appropriate amount.