Brisch Center for Historical Performance

The aim of historical practice and performance is to understand and present music from the past as close to the composers’ intention as possible. This includes the use of historical instruments (or modern replicas) as well as the knowledge of repertoire and how it was performed at the time (performance traditions). These performance traditions were not necessarily notated in the score, but have been identified through first-hand literature such as those treatises in the Honea Research Collection. The Center actively encourages students to engage in guided individual study research projects in areas of their particular interest, especially those that utilize the Center’s extensive resources in primary texts. The goal of the center is to increase understanding and enjoyment of the music.