In this course, learners will review sonata form and learn how the piano sonata was taken to new heights by Ludwig van Beethoven. We’ll discover together how the generation that followed interpreted Beethoven’s achievements and put them into practice in their own unique ways. From there, we will explore the “War of the Romantics”: the variety of formal structures for Romantic sonatas (both traditional and progressive) and the major repertoire of this era. You’ll hear some of the important pianos of the time, and understand the differences between Viennese and English/French traditions of piano music.
The Piano Sonata: Beethoven and the Romantics
The Piano Sonata: Beethoven and the Romantics
This course is part of Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization
Instructor: Matthew Bengtson
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Learn how the piano sonata was taken to new heights by Beethoven.
Explore the "War of the Romantics."
Understand the differences between Viennese and English/French traditions of piano music.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
8 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
In the first week, you'll be introduced to the course structure and to the fundamentals surrounding sonata form and the history of the genre.
What's included
5 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
This week focuses solely on Ludwig van Beethoven. We will discuss matters of sonata theory, the developing piano, and the way that the piano sonata genre was transformed through his innovations. We will consider his sonata repertoire across three major periods.
What's included
10 videos5 readings3 assignments2 discussion prompts
This week focuses on Romantic composers following Beethoven. First we consider the German tradition - Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms - and then the great pianist-virtuosi Chopin and Liszt. Throughout the week we will consider both traditional and innovative approaches to constructing Romantic piano sonatas.
What's included
9 videos5 readings3 assignments2 discussion prompts
For more advanced learners, an Honors Formal Analysis is available in this final week (not required for completion of the course).
What's included
4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Curtis Institute of Music
University of Michigan
University of Michigan
Curtis Institute of Music
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