Kathryn Cok

The role of the Dutch Republic in the development of and instruction in the art of basso continuo Including an anonymous Dutch manuscript treatise and its significance

The proposed subject of my study is an anonymous Dutch basso continuo treatise. This manuscript is undated, but likely from the late 17th or early 18th century as will be proven by handwriting analysis and the use of subject matter. It is my intention to suggest the authorship of the work to be that of Jan Alensoon (1683-1769), a Lawyer from Leiden who was an enthusiastic music-lover, amateur harpsichord player and singer. While in his early forties, Alensoon made his Grand Tour through the Southern Netherlands, France, and Italy, returning via Switzerland and Germany. His cultural encounters are recorded in a diary that is currently housed in the Amsterdam University Library.

Through analysis of the contents of the diary and comparison with important basso continuo treatises contemporary with his travels, I will attempt to reveal the contents of the anonymous treatise to contain information gleaned from other treatises Alensoon encountered in Europe, as well as original information and musical examples including corrections and embellishments on the relevant sources provided by Alensoon himself.

The study will aim to be practice-based research, resulting in a body of artistic work. The primary goal of the project will be to produce a systematic analysis of the research findings which pertain to the history of the art of basso continuo in the Netherlands in the 17th and 18th centuries, and how the said manuscript compares to other treatises contemporary to the period in question, pointing out any new revelations as well as similarities and discrepancies with the same works. Furthermore, a series of recitals will reveal the result of putting the knowledge gained to practice. An additional project will be to produce a text critical edition and translation into English of the treatise. This will provide access for non-Dutch speakers to a previously unpublished continuo treatise.

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