Musical Education in Gymnasiums of Tarnów in the Age of Autonomy of Galicia

Abstract

In the era of autonomy of Galicia Tarnow had two gymnasiums, which had in their curriculum subjects like singing and music. Although these were facultative subjects, young people were eager to attend the lessons, in comparison with other facultative subjects.Teaching singing was intended to prepare the school choir, which provided the musical setting for the church and school ceremonies. Learning was organised at two levels, I – the lower and II – higher. The number of hours did not exceed four per week. The repertoire included mostly religious songs and secular songs. Apart from singing in gymnasuims music was taught . In the I gymnasium was a mixed orchestra, and in the II gymnasium brass, string and mandolin. The orchestras was a part of Musical Circle.The repertoire of instrumental ensembles included patriotic songs, classical music (opera, operetta), commonly known and pleasant to listen to tunes, such as: marches, polonaises, mazurs. High attendance in singing lessons and in music ensembles confirms the desire to develop musical interest among junior high school students and testifies to the need for music education at every stage of human education.