Following on from — and complementing — the experimental workshops and masterclasses, the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles is offering four days of theory classes devoted to the major themes of interpretation in the French repertoire of the 17th and 18th centuries. Designed in collaboration with the CMBV research team, these days aim to explore the stylistic characteristics specific to French music of this period and to provide performers with keys to interpretation and research to enrich their approach to historically informed practice.
This day will explore the specific characteristics of instrumental ensembles, vocal registers and instruments in French Baroque music. Participants will discover how these elements interact to create the rich sound unique to this period, as well as the latest research conducted by the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles on production conditions at the Académie Royale de Musique.
Objectives
The main objectives are as follows:
- Understanding different vocal registers: introduction to specifically French voice classifications and their respective roles in sacred and operatic repertoire, as well as the particularities of vocal technique at that time
- Understanding instrumental ensembles: study of musical ensembles and the various ensembles and institutions of royal music at the Court of Versailles
- Exploring how choices of instrumentation influence musical composition and performance
This workshop will include studies of specific examples, allowing participants to deepen their understanding of sound articulation in French Baroque music. They will thus acquire tools to enrich their musical interpretation, as well as avenues for finding the resources necessary to pursue their research.
Trainer
Workshop coordinated by Benoît Dratwicki, researcher and artistic director (CMBV - CESR)
Benoît Dratwicki first obtained degrees in cello, chamber music and music education before turning his attention to music history, analysis and aesthetics. He received several awards at the conservatories of Metz and Paris, then joined the aesthetics and music culture classes at the CNSMD in Paris. During the 2006-2007 season, he co-produced the programmes La Querelle des Bouffons and Sortez les jumelles on France Musique with his brother Alexandre. He is a researcher and artistic director at the Centre de musique baroque de Versailles, where he has worked since 2001, and artistic director of the Palazzetto Bru Zane in Venice – Centre de musique romantique française, since 2007. A specialist in court music and French opera between 1670 and 1800, his areas of research include the singers of the Académie Royale de Musique, historically informed performance, the evolution of styles and lyrical genres, and the reworking of works. He is the author of several research papers on these subjects and defended a thesis on François Colin de Blamont (1690-1760) at the Sorbonne. In 2023, he obtained a qualification to supervise research at Paris-Sorbonne University, entitled The Paris Opera and its singers (1669-1791): context and sources as keys to interpretation.
Training arrangements
- In-person workshop only
- Workshop conducted in French (discussions possible in English)
- Assessment methods: self-assessment and satisfaction questionnaire
- Alternating lectures, study of musical material, questions and answers
Programme
- Lecture on voices, choir and orchestra in French opera in the 17th and 18th centuries
- Lecture on Concert: music academies, the Concert Spirituel, the Concert de la Reine
- Presentation of the CMBV's instrumental ensemble (violin ensemble, oboe ensemble and flute consort)
- Lecture on the Royal Chapel's musical ensemble
- Analysis of original scores from the Académie Royale de Musique and discussion on issues related to historically informed performance
Participants
- Musicians and performers
- Singers
- Dancers
- Open to knowledgeable amateurs, subject to availability
Maximum 20 participants
Prerequisites
- Working professionals
- Future professionals in training - currently enrolled in higher education (bachelor's, master's) or equivalent
Pricing conditions
Prices for a themed day
Full price covered: depending on coverage (contact the training centre administration for a quote)
Maximum individual contribution: €100 including VAT
Maximum individual contribution for students (up to 26 years old): €40 including VAT
CMBV workshops may be covered by continuing professional development programmes (Afdas, employers, etc.) for permanent or temporary employees.
Services included in the price:
- Access to CMBV premises (and instrument tuning, if necessary)
- Full tuition fees (instructors, instruments, etc.) for the entire duration of the course
- Active participation in workshops
- Provision of documents and sheet music
- Loan or provision of instruments, if necessary
À la charge des stagiaires :
- Travel expenses
- Accommodation expenses (meals and lodging)
Registration
To register, please complete the form available via the link below. You will receive confirmation of your registration no later than two months before the start of the workshop.
Accessibility
The CMBV's classrooms and teaching spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you have a disability that requires adjustments to the teaching, please specify this when you register. This information will be forwarded to the CMBV's disability officer, who will contact you to discuss possible adjustments.
Registration deadline: 4 May 2026
