From Source to Performance: Seicento Italy
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
Building on Smith’s previous creative-arts research, A Tale of Two Cities is the public-concert outcome of a period experimentation focussing on the sources of, and the performance practices surrounding, liturgical music from 17C Rome and Venice.
Research Contribution
Research is evidenced both through Smith’s editorial work and through his active experimentation with little-studied performance practices. Valentini’s Missa Canonica was edited from manuscript materials in the Barberini Archive of the Vatican Library and received its first performance in modern times. In addition, music by Quagliatti and by Rigatti were presented in new performing versions: the former as a contrafactum, and the latter offering a fresh reading of the mensuration (tempo) information in the original print. Under Smith’s leadership a number of specialist performance practices were also workshopped and employed, including: viola bastarda improvisation; plainsong according to the 1614 Editio Medicea; and improvised instrumental parts in the style of Severi’s Salmi Passaggiati. These practices were selected primarily for the scant attention they have received to date.
Research Significance
St. George’s College at UWA invited Smith to devise a project that specifically sought to blend scholarship and performance. Smith suggested a collaboration with the College’s music scholarship students, The HIP Company (a specialist-ensemble of three leading exponents in the field of historically informed performance) and the internationally acclaimed Baroque violinist and concert master of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Shaun Lee-Chen. The resulting concert presented premiere performances of hitherto unknown works and also presented more established works in a new light. Furthermore, the rehearsal process not only shifted the performers’ mindset and knowledge base, the performance offered a notable contribution to new knowledge in the field.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2023
Location of the Work
Perth
Publication Title
A Tale of Two Cities
Publisher
St George's College, UWA
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
70313
Event Dates
2023-06-04
Event Venue
St George's College Chapel, UWA
Comments
Smith, S. (2023). From Source to Performance: Seicento Italy. [Musical Performance]. St George's College Chapel, UWA.