Wesleyan University Collegium Musicum
MUSC 438
Spring 2026
| Section:
01
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| This course may be repeated for credit. |
| Crosslisting:
MDST 212, COL 138 |
The Collegium Musicum (literally "company of musicians") is a vocal performance ensemble dedicated to exploring and performing the diverse European repertories of medieval, renaissance, and baroque music. Emphasis is given to the study of musical styles, performance practices, vocal independence, healthy singing, and musicianship. Students investigate various cultural aspects of the production of music, including primary sources, acoustics, and cultural heritage. In spring 2026, we begin our celebration of the Collegium's 25 Years of early music at Wesleyan with a program entitled "Song of Songs, Old and New." Like much Biblical literature, the Song of Songs can be traced back to Sumerian origins. Our program will intersperse ancient Mesopotamian poetry relating to the spiritual marriage of Inanna (Sumerian goddess of love, fertility, and war) and Dumuzi (the shepherd god) with music that reflects the Jewish and Christian understandings of the related mystical union. Biblical language that evokes the fragrance of wine, blossom, fruits, and spices was particularly appealing to European Renaissance composers. We will present a simple Icelandic form of discant, a polytextual French motet, complex polyphony in multiple parts by Palestrina, Lassus, Bouzignac, and Aleotti, and some contemporary responses to these popular texts. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA MUSC |
| Course Format: Performance | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (Medieval Studies Minor)(Medieval Studies)(Music) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
| SECTION 01 |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
Close study of the music, listening assignments and some selected readings.
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Examinations and Assignments:
Assessment is based on individual progress as singers, musicianship development, and creative engagement. Independent practice, attention to listening assignments, and mandatory attendance is expected at all rehearsals (class and sectionals) and performances. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course may be repeated. Students who have cultivated their expertise singing in this group have found it has opened doors to many other opportunities.
Only returning ensemble members may pre-register without an interview/audition. New students need to email and meet with Prof. Jane Alden jalden01@wesleyan.edu
AUDITIONS
Thursday 1/22 and Friday 1/23 in MST 310
Please email details of your background in singing and general voice work.
Then go to this google doc https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12qKonfHXvvuOOPek0KAJ7zsUq2QLeU_1SqOYpPWYdqo/edit?usp=sharing
to select an Audition time on 1/22,
if possible, or morning of 1/23.
MEET and GREET
Friday 1/23 12:30pm in WMH
For registered students and those who have been accepted by audition.
The plan for the semester will be discussed, there will be some singing and a Q&A. The syllabus will be distributed and sectional times will be arranged.
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| Instructor(s): Alden,Jane Times: .M.W... 02:50PM-04:10PM; Location: CHPL; |
Permission of Instructor Required
Enrollment capacity: 25 | Permission of instructor approval will be granted by the instructor during pre-registration through the Electronic Portfolio. Click "Add to My Courses" and "To request a POI electronically, click here" to submit your request. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
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