Theory - Associate Diploma (A.Dip.A.)
Part One: October sitting only. Part Two: May sitting only.
Pass mark: 75% average over both parts, with no one part having a mark lower than 70%.
Note: Before entering for this examination, the candidate must have a Credit (or higher) in Grade Five practical and Grade Seven Theory.
PART I: Harmony and Counterpoint (Three hours)
Vocabulary: All diatonic and chromatic harmony, augmented and Neapolitan sixths. Triple suspensions, real and tonal sequences. Modulations to related and near related keys.
The harmonization of a chorale melody. A diatonic common chord modulation and Neopolitan 6th chord will be expected.
A simple piano accompaniment to a melody for an orchestral instrument. (Candidates must use the harmonic vocabulary of all but the late Romantic composers.) Opportunity will be given to show an example of a chromatic or an enharmonic modulation, and candidates will try to use a ‘borrowed’ chord from the tonic minor, and an augmented 6th chord.
A three-part counterpoint in imitative style, for voices or instruments, one of the extreme parts being given and an opening indicated (up to twelve bars).
PART II: History (Three hours)
A detailed knowledge of the music of the Viennese Classical period, with particular attention to the development of the orchestra from the Mannheim school to Mozart. Knowledge of composers, works, harmonic materials and stylistic traits of the period.
A general knowledge of the development of Oratorio, Mass, Opera and Cantata.
A discussion of a set work.
2009/10 - HANDEL, G. F. Excerpts from Messiah*:
- Overture
- Comfort Ye
- Ev’ry Valley
- For Unto Us a Child is Born.
*References: The Norton Scores, Vol. 1 and Analyses of Musical Classics Vol. 1 by Annie Warburton.