2 and 4 day recorder courses

At Saint Julien, Hérault, Languedoc, South of France

Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd September 2007
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November 2007

With “Sesquialtera” - Denyse Dowling and Alain Payelleville.
Organized by “L’Association Musique Ancienne”.

The course will take place at Saint Julien, which is situated 50 km from the Mediterranean in a Natural Regional Park in the highlands of Languedoc.
The Priory of Saint Julien has been an important spiritual place for centuries, situated as it is high up on a hill overlooking terraces of vineyards and cypress and cherry trees. Behind, the mountain of Caroux- Espinouse (mountain of light), dominates the valley. The calm and harmony of the countryside lends itself perfectly to playing and listening to music.
We’ll be playing in the beautiful Presbytery and the Priory garden as well as in the 12th century Priory itself where the concert will take place on the last day for the 4 day course and the recording will take place for the 2 day course.
The workshop is open to recorder players who have an elementary level and certain sight reading skills, up to more advanced players. One major ensemble piece will be studied in depth for both courses and the music will be sent on in advance, the cost of the music is included in the course fee.
We study all parts of the major ensemble piece with special attention to sound, tuning, phrasing, all aspects of recorder technique, ornamentation etc. There will be time to understand a little of the historical context in which the chosen pieces are placed and also to listen to different recordings in order to compare.
The courses are complete in themselves with the goal of seeing at least the major ensemble piece
through and giving you the satisfaction of performing it at the end of the course.
In the 4 day course there is also time for personal work and individual lessons adapted to your specific needs. There are solos, duos and trios to play providing a varied approach to the immense possibilities of this beautiful instrument. Also, during the 4 day course, we take a half day off to explore the rich acoustics of chapels in the area and appreciate the wonderful countryside. Visitors are welcome to accompany us on this half day.

As there are two of us leading the workshop we will have time to devote to your individual needs and will speak French or English as necessary.
The course is friendly but intensive, you may stay on to discover more of the area or come early to combine the course with a holiday. The accommodation is in well equipped ‘gîtes’, self catering houses with all mod cons or in bed and breakfast.
Olargues, a medieval village, classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, is just 3 Km away and has most of what you may need.