Punishment or musical education in the 18th century

Punishment or musical education in the 18th century

The XVIII century entered world history under the name "Age of Reason". And this was due to the rapid development of science, which literally turned the ideas of humanity of all previous centuries about the world around on its head. With the beginning of the great discoveries, the world appeared before the eyes of a European in a new guise. From now on, the Earth - the creation of the Hand of the Most High - turned from the center of the universe into just one of the Sun’s satellites, which, in turn, turned out to be one of the stars of the infinite and mysterious Cosmos. What role was assigned at this time to music and its influence on people?

What musicians did the Enlightenment need?

The main means for improving the society of that era was the enlightenment of every person. In this case, one of the main roles was given to art. The Enlightenment philosophers did not get tired of talking about the leading role of music in creating a harmonious relationship between the individual and society. That is why, in the first place, much attention was paid to the training of professional musicians and the formation of a listening culture.

In such an atmosphere of "universal enlightenment", the active development of musical and performing arts, and, accordingly, of musical education began. Following the results of teaching this uneasy mastery, universal musicians were supposed to come out: composers, performers, teachers and improvisers (think at least of I.S. Bach - an ideal musician from the point of view of his era). The performer of that time would certainly have to play a few musical instruments. Often it was the organ, harpsichord, violin, cello, as well as some wind instruments. As for writing, he was trained only by respected composers-masters: it was believed that natural talent was not enough for the creation of works, and it is necessary to master the technique of composer writing. Hence, it is no coincidence that the demand of the epoch has arisen: according to the ordered knowledge of the “age of reason”, one must clothe one's own creations in a harmonious and logical musical form.

Hard to be a musician

In the 18th century, following the traditions of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages, all kinds of educational institutions were created. These were shelters, boarding houses, schools, which were maintained at the expense of their own income from paid children's concerts. Gradually, they turned into colleges and conservatories, where beginner musicians studied both independently and under the guidance of experienced teachers.

The situation with the classes was difficult - they were sorely lacking. The children were forced to study in one class for several people, and sometimes in the most inappropriate places for this - the corridors of the conservatory (although, of course, musicians of our time cannot be surprised by this). Just imagine, at a distance of not more than a couple of meters from each other, vocal parts sounded at the same time, several violas or harpsichords! Here students could write and perform writing tasks. All training took place in an atmosphere of strict discipline and harsh methods of education. In particular, this is how they taught music in the conservatories of Italy. Naughty students were severely punished by teachers, and sometimes they could get punches with sticks. Many students completely lost the desire to be musicians, and they ran off, considering it a blessing to leave the walls of their "torture" institution. And those who still endured all the difficulties, became authoritative professionals. By the way, only famous musicians taught in conservatories. For example, A. Vivaldi worked for about 30 years at the Mercy Conservatory. In other countries, there were also educational institutions of this kind; however, they were called differently. In Germany, these were the institutions of poor schoolchildren, in France they were called metrizes, and in the Czech Republic they called themselves urban schools.

There were still widespread church schools that taught musicians to work in church choirs. Gifted children received musical education either in private or in families of musicians (as was the case, for example, in the famous Scarlatti, Vivaldi, Mozart dynasties). And finally, an interesting feature of that time: music education could also be obtained in creative teams: this was how G. Purcell, for example, who learned music science in the choir of the Royal Chapel, studied.

The 18th century introduced a large role in the formation of a musical education system not only in Europe. As you know, it is in this century that professional music education in Russia originates, but this is a completely different story. And we move on - to the age of sensuality and romance.