Syllabus - Chamber Music

DEFINITIONS

Chamber Ensemble A chamber ensemble in this discipline is any ensemble that:

• Has three (3), four (4), or five (5) performers;
• Consists of orchestral or vocal instruments in any combination, including brass, guitar, harp, percussion, piano, strings, voice, or woodwinds.

Examples of typical chamber ensembles include, but are not limited to:

• String quartet (two violins, viola, cello);
• Wind quintet (flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, French horn);
• Piano trio (violin, cello, piano).

 

RULES & REGULATIONS

Adjudication Classes in this discipline are adjudicated competitively.

Eligibility Classes in this discipline are organised with reference to Conservatory levels, according to the standards of an Ontario Conservatory (RCM or CC). Performers who are not taking Conservatory exams must estimate their level of study as defined in the Festival Rules & Regulations. The performer with the highest level of study in an ensemble determines which class the ensemble is permitted to enter.

Instrumentation Each ensemble entering a class in this discipline must satisfy the definition of a chamber ensemble as detailed above. Any piano or keyboard part must be performed by an amateur performer as defined in the Festival Rules & Regulations. Up to one vocal performer is permitted.

Repertoire Each class specifies the quantity of repertoire selections required for that class in its description. The difficulty of a selection must suit the level of study of the performers in the ensemble. If a class permits performance of more than one selection, multiple selections must be contrasting - distinct from one another in style, mood, tempo, and so on. When in doubt, the adjudicator determines the suitability of a repertoire selection for its class.

Classical Repertoire Selections in this discipline must be art music or "classical" repertoire.

Piano or Keyboard Parts A piano or keyboard part must be a distinct instrumental part, and may not be a reduction of the part or parts of any other instrument in the enesemble.

Multi-Movement Works When performing two or more movements from a multi-movement work, you combine such movements into a single selection, and may not perform them as distinct selections. When not performing an entire work, individual movements must be contrasting where possible.