Taught by renowned
musician
John Mortensen
How did composers write so much music so quickly in the Baroque and Classical eras? Were they all supreme geniuses? Not exactly: even composers of average talent could write reams of music every month because they were thoroughly trained in a technique of keyboard harmony known as partimento. Through the "Rule of the Octave" and other typical progressions, partimento allows you to instantly harmonize bass notes with beautiful chords and elegant voice-leading. John Mortensen is at the forefront of the international revival of improvisation in historical styles, and he is a perfect guide to introduce this rewarding topic. This video introduces the fundamental ideas behind partimento and explains its relevance to today's musicians.
Legacy of Partimento
How did composers write so much music so quickly in the Baroque and Classical eras? Were they all supreme geniuses? Not exactly: even composers of average talent could write reams of music every month because they were thoroughly trained in a technique of keyboard harmony known as partimento. Through the "Rule of the Octave" and other typical progressions, partimento allows you to instantly harmonize bass notes with beautiful chords and elegant voice-leading. John Mortensen is at the forefront of the international revival of improvisation in historical styles, and he is a perfect guide to introduce this rewarding topic. This video introduces the fundamental ideas behind partimento and explains its relevance to today's musicians.
Case Studies in Partimento
Partimento is a technique of keyboard harmony which allows you to instantly harmonize bass scales with beautiful chords and elegant voice-leading. Join improvisation expert John Mortensen as he walks you through the most common and useful partimento progressions, demonstrating how this technique demystifies masterworks like the aria from Bach's Goldberg Variations as well as other Baroque keyboard works. Learn about the Rule of the Octave and the "cascade" progression on your path toward playing seamless improvisations.
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Unlock Course →As a leader in the international revival of historic improvisation, John Mortensen is noted for his ability to improvise entire concerts in historic styles, including complex compositions such as Baroque fugues.
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