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Julian Calv '21

2020 SOAR Profile

Creating Performance Editions from the Archives

Major and Minor: Music Education
Hometown: Bethlehem, NJ
Project Advisor(s): Dr. Hilde Binford, Archivist Gwyneth Michel

Briefly describe your project.

My project involved preparing modern-day publications of centuries-old music manuscripts. By working with the Moravian Archives, I was provided microfilm scans of different instrument parts for a musical score. I transcribed all these parts into a digital music notation software and eventually created a full score from each of the individual parts. I then prepared two editions of this full score: one that stays as true to the original manuscript as possible, and another that can be used for modern-day performance. These are respectively called the “scholarly edition” and the “performance edition.” Additionally, using the music notation software, I prepared instrument parts from the performance edition. These performance edition scores and parts can all be used for modern-day performances.

Describe the origin of your project. (E.g., did you pitch the idea and choose a faculty member, or did they come to you with an idea?)

This project idea was presented to me by Dr. Binford. The Moravian Music Foundation, over many years, has had a number of students contribute to its musical catalogue through a similar process. What makes my project unique is that the two pieces I worked with were a transcription and arrangement of music by Beethoven, because this year is Beethoven’s 250th birthday. The quartet transcription of Beethoven’s 4th also is being used at the Bethlehem Music and History Conference in April 2021.

What’s the best part about working with your faculty mentor? What valuable insights have they brought to your project?

My interest in musicology grew significantly as a result of this project, and I honestly would never have thought I’d be so interested in the subject if it hadn’t been for Dr. Binford. Three of my classmates and I visited the archives with Dr. Binford in my sophomore year, and during that visit I was able to see the music exhibit that was on display. Being able to hear about some of Bethlehem’s music history from both Gwyn Michel and Dr. Binford sparked my interest. Additionally, throughout the process of the project Gwyn helped me properly prepare the musical scores I was making. Along with music education, I also study composing. Thus, having Gwyn help me with the intricacies of making a score look nice will come in handy for me further down the line.

What has been your biggest obstacle so far?

The hardest part was working with the microfilm scans. Due to COVID-19, I was not able to work consistently with the scores in person, so I had to use the scans. These old scores can have tears, ink smudges, water stains, and so on. All these imperfections make the score difficult to read, since the scans are in black and white.

What has been your biggest takeaway from this experience?

My biggest takeaway from this is that even under difficult circumstances (such as those that resulted from COVID-19), many projects can still be adapted in ways that allow for them to be finished. This takeaway is not just from my own experience, but also from being able to observe the presentations of fellow students.

What was the result of your project? 

By the end of my project, I prepared both a performance edition and a scholarly edition of two musical works by members of the Bethlehem Moravian community, both of which are from around the 18th to 19th century. The first is a transcription of Beethoven’s 4th Symphony for Flute, Violin, Cello, and Piano, while the second is an anthem based on the second movement of Beethoven’s 2nd Piano Sonata for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass, Flute, Two Violins, Viola, and Cello.

In your own words, how do you feel about being awarded this opportunity? Why should other students take advantage of the SOAR program at Moravian College?

I feel satisfied that I was able to contribute to the legacy of Moravian music, with support from the college. SOAR is a great program that offers plenty of opportunities for so many different academic disciplines. Other students should certainly consider looking into SOAR, especially if you have an idea of something you’d like to spend time researching. You never know how much more in depth you may find yourself going.

Now that SOAR is over, do you plan to expand upon your research? If so, how?

As of now I do not have plans to continue any work I’ve done, as those are both completed. However, I will certainly be interested in doing similar tasks in the future if the opportunity should arise.

Have you, or do you plan to present this research outside the SOAR presentations? If so, where? Be specific, if possible.

I have no specific plans as of now.