In this course, you’ll review sonata form and learn how the piano sonata was revitalized in the 20th century, with a particular attention to composers from Russia, where the sonata was an especially popular and successful genre. You’ll study some of the most influential piano sonatas of the 20th century, in both Neo-Classical and avant-garde styles. This course will also expose you to a variety of lesser-known and more recent compositions, showing how the piano sonata genre continues to expand and to thrive.
The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers
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The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers
This course is part of Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization
Instructor: Matthew Bengtson
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(13 reviews)
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
13 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 revitalized in the 20th century.
Study both Neo-Classical and avant-garde styles.
Explore the work of Russian composers, such as Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev.
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
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Assessments
6 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 looks at Russian composers, who were highly invested in the piano sonata genre in the 20th century. We will focus primarily on the works of the three major sonata composers: Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev. We will also get acquainted with a number of other important Russian composers in this genre.
What's included
13 videos9 readings2 assignments3 discussion prompts
This week looks at some of the most extraordinary piano sonatas composed after the Romantic Era (excluding Russians). We consider seven sonatas in some detail, by three French composers, two of German descent, and two born in America. The end of the course points towards the music of today by considering the extraordinary diversity of composers and works that led to it.
What's included
8 videos10 readings2 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
Instructor ratings
4.6 (5 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Northwestern University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Yale University
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