Historical Double Bass

Exam in the central artistic subject (approx. 20 minutes):

• Performance of an artistic programme with at least two pieces of different styles and characters on the historic instrument.
• Sight-reading
• Listening to and understanding (comprehension) of simple melody and chord sequences by singing in response / playing in response; completion of a melody on the relevant instrument
• Performance of simple cadenzas on the harpsichord
• Suitability interview based on the letter of motivation

Literaturvorschläge für die Zulassungsprüfung Bachelor im Schwierigkeitsgrad von:

-   Two movements from a classical concerto:
    F. Keyper: Romance et Rondo
    W. Pichl: Concerto
    Karl Ditters von Dittersdorf: Concerto no, 1 or no. 2
    G. A. Capuzzi: Concerto
    G. B. Cimador: Concerto
    A. Savi: Concerto
    D. Dragonetti: Andante e Rondò
-   Two movements form a baroque sonata (transcriptions):
    B. Marcello, W. De Fesch, S. Eccles.
-   Orchestral passages (1 baroque, 1 classical)

The entrance examination is used to check the candidate’s aptitude for the specific requirements of the Master’s degree, with particular consideration of their prior knowledge and skills in the practical field. The condition for admission onto the Master’s degree is a completed Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from an Austrian or foreign post-secondary educational facility, as well as successfully passing all parts of the entrance examination.

Fulfilment of the admission requirements in terms of quality are based on the requirements of graduating with a BA in the Early Music degree at the MUK. Admission with a degree qualification that is not relevant to the subject (not an “Early Music” Bachelor’s degree) may be linked with the condition that academic achievements from the Bachelor’s degree have to be completed in addition to the Master’s curriculum (see §10 of the Study and Examination Regulation of the articles of association).
 

Entrance exam:

1) Performance from a representative technically demanding programme, from which the committee will select pieces lasting no more than 25 minutes
- At least 3 different styles
- At least 2 instruments
- 1 solo piece without accompaniment; for historical oboe instruments, historical double bass and historical bassoon instruments: Prelude or cadenza in classic solo concerto or classic étude

2) Prima-vista play

3) Embellishment of a musical section (is provided 60 minutes before the exam)

4) Analysis of a piece from the exam programme, taking into consideration the aspect of historical performance practice.

Then subsequent viva based on the letter of motivation and the entrance examination.

Examination in the central artistic subject (approx. 15 minutes):

• Performance of an artistic programme with at least two pieces of different styles and characters of the candidate’s choice.
• Interview
• Examination of German proficiency for applicants who are non-native German speakers

If you cannot join the exam on the given date, an individual exam date can be arranged.

The admission exam can be done directly on site in Vienna or by submitting respective application videos and serves to determine applicants’:
    a) motivation for undertaking the programme of study
    b) artistic proficiency (corresponding to Master’s level entry)
    c) artistic and personal suitability
The admission process is split into three parts – applicants must be successful in Part 1 in order to progress to the next stage.

1. Submission of a short biography (including language skills), covering letter, repertoire list and an audition programme:
•   Short biography: applicants should provide a written overview of the qualifications they have gained so far, their (language) skills, and the areas their activities have focused on.
•   Covering letter: applicants should describe their personal expectations of the programme and what they are looking to get out of it. Applicants should also state their current artistic activities and skills and those they are aiming to acquire.
•   Audition programme for Part 2: a programme for the artistic presentation that makes up Part 2 (corresponding to Master’s level entry).

2. Artistic presentation:
In the artistic presentation, applicants should demonstrate their instrumental proficiency and level of artistry. The programme should be put together by the applicant her/himself and should give as strong an impression as possible of her/his artistic qualifications. Instrumental proficiency should be at least that needed for Master’s level entry.

3. Colloquium:
Together with the applicant, a panel will discuss and reflect on the results of Parts 1 and 2 of the admission exam and examine the applicant’s individual and artistic potential as well as her/his personal goals and suitability for the programme.