Description
One of the main research lines of the Lost & Found research project (CESEM/NOVA Univ. Lisbon, 2020–24), led by João Pedro d’Alvarenga, focuses on incomplete sources of 16th-century sacred polyphony, and specifically addresses the problem of reconstructing missing parts. Following the path of similar project Lost Voices (CESR/Univ. Tours, 2008–14), a systematic methodology has been developed based on a comprehensive analysis of structural counterpoint elements of a reference corpus.At the same time, my own doctoral work also required the reconstruction of a missing part in a polyphonic source—but in this case, of 17th-century secular repertory, with a much greater predominance of homophonic textures and a ‘mannerist’ language that often transgresses the rules of traditional counterpoint. Thus, in parallel with the project, a complementary methodology was developed with a more micro-scale approach; essentially, it involves creating a database containing all the chords of a corpus of stylistically similar pieces, which can be searched for chord sequences, so as to ensure that the restored pitches of the missing part are as faithful as possible to the original musical style. I will explain how this methodology was developed and tested, the challenges encountered in the process, and the rather promising results it produced.
| Period | 15 Oct 2024 |
|---|---|
| Event title | Reconstructing and Re-sounding Early Music |
| Event type | Conference |
| Location | Genève, SwitzerlandShow on map |
| Degree of Recognition | International |
Keywords
- music reconstruction
- musical fragmentology