In these lecture-workshops we examine seven of the most ground-breaking, inspired, innovative, and beautiful works written for piano along with three of the most important figures in Western music. We will uncover the artistic and cultural environment so we can better understand how these works were written, under what circumstances they were inspired and discover their monumental compositional and pianistic achievements in the piano literature.
Through this journey of about 300 years, we also will be able to examine the amazing transformation of the piano as an instrument itself, the evolution of piano playing technique, and the way that these great composers expanded its expressive power.
Some other topics will be discussed, such as style, sonata-form, rubato, pedal, extended piano techniques and how to listen to and understand great music.
Reading materials, recordings, videos, scores, and video recordings of each class will be available, and all students will be able to participate through various assignments and presentations.
