Music 

But why a Harpsichord?

As a feature learning experience for our musicians during our sesquicentenary celebrations this week, Mr Peter Hagen brings to the College for the first time in its 150 years, a harpsichord.  But why?  This ‘other’ keyboard instrument, dominated and overshadowed by the great tonal depth and dynamic range of the modern piano was the Ferrari of keyboard instruments throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods.  Our Sesquicentenary Musical Showcase on Friday evening will feature current students with Old Collegians, including repertoire by Antonio Vivaldi, Georg Phillip Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach.  If ever there were a time to present what is essentially a rare instrument in these parts, and to create authentic performances of these works, then our 150th year is it!   The harpsichord was widely used in Renaissance and Baroque music, both as an accompaniment instrument and as a soloing instrument. During the Baroque era, the harpsichord was a standard part of the continuo group. The basso continuo part acted as the foundation for many musical pieces in this era.  Whilst on tour in Slovenian in 2013, early music expert Professor Helfried Fister described to me the role of the harpsichord. ‘The Harpsichord is the drum-kit of the Baroque orchestra’.  Whilst without snare drum and cymbals, its tone colour can be described as brittle, rattling and clipped, giving it the ability to cut through a whole string ensemble.  With no variation in dynamics, the harpsichord sounds more "formal" and precise than the more sonorous, romantic and ponderous piano. 

This week our students have had the opportunity to try their hand at this most elegant of instruments and to hear it where it shines, as a member of the basso continuo supporting some of the most exquisite and famous Baroque concerti.

Upcoming Music Events

Sesquicentenary Music Showcase - Friday May 20 at 6pm

Hamilton Eisteddfod Music Week - June 7-11

Hamilton Eisteddfod Dance Week - June 15-19

Hamilton Eisteddfod Speech and Drama - June 20

Mr Benjamin Hiscock         BHiscock14@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au             Director of Music

Mrs Nichole Atchison     music@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au                       Music Administrator