In this course, students will continue their exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, delving deeper into the composer's musical style and examining specific sonatas in detail.
The course is divided into six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of Beethoven's music. The first module explores the relationship between Beethoven's early and middle periods, while the second module examines the development of Beethoven's sonata form. The third module focuses on the use of musical themes in Beethoven's work, and the fourth module looks at Beethoven's use of counterpoint. The fifth module explores the emotional content of Beethoven's music, and the final module covers Beethoven's late period and his final sonatas.
Throughout the course, students will listen to recordings of Biss playing Beethoven's sonatas and will learn about the historical and cultural context in which the music was written. They will also have the opportunity to engage in discussions with fellow students and to submit assignments for feedback from Biss and his team of teaching assistants.
By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of Beethoven's musical style and will be able to analyze and appreciate his piano sonatas with greater insight and nuance. This course is designed for anyone with an interest in classical music and a desire to deepen their understanding of one of the greatest composers of all time.
Course Content:
The course Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 on Coursera is divided into 6 parts, each focusing on a different aspect of Beethoven's music.
The total number of lectures in this course is 36, with each part consisting of approximately 5-7 lectures. In addition, the course includes quizzes and assignments that allow students to practice and improve their analysis and evaluation skills of Beethoven's works.
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Part 1: Early vs. Middle Periods (5 lectures)
- Introduction to the course
- Beethoven's early period: Piano Sonata No. 4 in E-flat major, Op. 7
- Beethoven's middle period: Piano Sonata No. 21 in C major, Op. 53 "Waldstein"
- Beethoven's early and middle periods compared: Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 "Pathétique"
- Listening for structure: Piano Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31 No. 1
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
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Part 2: Sonata Form (6 lectures)
- Introduction to sonata form
- Beethoven's use of sonata form: Piano Sonata No. 17 in D minor, Op. 31 No. 2 "Tempest"
- Sonata form and development: Piano Sonata No. 10 in G major, Op. 14 No. 2
- Coda as summation: Piano Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a "Les Adieux"
- Beethoven's last movement strategies: Piano Sonata No. 18 in E-flat major, Op. 31 No. 3
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
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Part 3: Musical Themes (6 lectures)
- Beethoven's use of themes: Piano Sonata No. 12 in A-flat major, Op. 26
- Thematic development: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90
- Musical motifs: Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10 No. 3
- Thematic transformation: Piano Sonata No. 5 in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1
- Reusing material: Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier"
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
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Part 4: Counterpoint (6 lectures)
- Introduction to counterpoint
- Fugue: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110
- Polyphony: Piano Sonata No. 15 in D major, Op. 28 "Pastoral"
- Variations: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
- Dialogue: Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2 No. 2
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
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Part 5: Emotion (6 lectures)
- Beethoven's emotional expression: Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 "Appassionata"
- Mood swings: Piano Sonata No. 22 in F major, Op. 54
- Humor: Piano Sonata No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90
- Dissonance and harmony: Piano Sonata No. 13 in E-flat major, Op. 27 No. 1 "Sonata quasi una fantasia"
- Pathos: Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 2 "Moonlight"
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
- Part 6: Late Period and Final Sonatas (7 lectures)
- Beethoven's late period: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109
- Beethoven's transcendence: Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110
- The spiritual dimension: Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
- Musical innovation: Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major, Op. 101
- The final sonatas: Piano Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109, Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110, and Piano Sonata No. 32 in C minor, Op. 111
- Final thoughts on Beethoven's sonatas
- Masterclass: Student performances and feedback
In addition to the lectures, the course also includes quizzes and assignments that allow students to practice and apply their analysis and evaluation skills to Beethoven's works. Overall, "Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2" is a comprehensive and in-depth course that provides students with a deep understanding of Beethoven's music and the evolution of his compositional style throughout his career.
Reviews:
As a former student of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 on Coursera, I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in classical music and Beethoven's works in particular. Jonathan Biss is an outstanding professor who provides a comprehensive and engaging analysis of Beethoven's piano sonatas, covering all aspects of the music from historical and cultural context to musical structure and interpretation.
The course is well-structured, with each part focusing on a specific aspect of Beethoven's music, allowing students to deepen their understanding of his compositional style and evolution throughout his career. The lectures are delivered in an accessible and enthusiastic manner, making the complex concepts and musical terminology easy to understand and enjoyable to learn.
The quizzes and assignments provided are also useful in consolidating the knowledge gained from the lectures and practicing analytical and evaluation skills. Moreover, the Masterclass section, where students perform and receive feedback from Professor Biss, is a unique and valuable opportunity for students to receive personalized feedback on their piano playing and interpretation.
Overall, I would highly recommend Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 to anyone interested in classical music, piano performance, or the works of Beethoven. The course is informative, engaging, and well-designed, and Professor Biss is an exceptional professor who is passionate about the subject matter and dedicated to his students' learning.
At the time, the course has an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on over 155 ratings.
What you'll learn:
Upon completion of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 course on Coursera, students will have gained a wealth of knowledge and skills related to classical music and specifically Beethoven's piano sonatas. These skills and knowledge include:
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A deeper understanding of Beethoven's compositional style: The course provides a detailed analysis of the various compositional techniques and stylistic elements Beethoven used in his piano sonatas. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the structure, harmony, melody, and rhythm used in these works.
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Historical and cultural context: The course explores the various historical and cultural factors that influenced Beethoven's music. This includes studying the political and social environment during the time of the composition of the sonatas, as well as the broader musical influences on Beethoven's work.
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Analytical skills: The course provides ample opportunity for students to develop their analytical skills in evaluating and interpreting musical works. Students will learn how to analyze the structure, harmony, melody, and rhythm of Beethoven's piano sonatas and how to evaluate their effectiveness in conveying emotion and musical ideas.
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Piano playing skills: The course also focuses on developing students' piano playing skills, with an emphasis on interpretation and expression. Students will have the opportunity to study and practice various techniques used in Beethoven's piano sonatas.
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Appreciation for classical music: The course provides a comprehensive overview of classical music and the piano sonata genre. Students will gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Beethoven's works, as well as for classical music as a whole.
Overall, completing Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 will provide students with a solid foundation in classical music and an in-depth understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas. Students will come away from the course with improved analytical and playing skills, as well as an appreciation for the richness and depth of classical music.
Author:
Jonathan Biss is an American pianist and educator known for his exceptional skill and interpretation of classical music. Born in 1980 in Bloomington, Indiana, Biss began playing the piano at a young age and went on to study at Indiana University and the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.
Biss has received numerous awards and accolades for his performances, including the Leonard Bernstein Award and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. He has also performed with many renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic.
In addition to his performing career, Biss is also a respected educator and author. He has taught masterclasses at institutions such as the Royal Academy of Music in London and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and has written extensively on music and its significance in society.
Biss's expertise in classical music and his passion for sharing his knowledge with others are evident in his course Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 on Coursera. His lectures are engaging and insightful, providing a deep understanding of Beethoven's music and the historical and cultural context in which it was composed.
Overall, Jonathan Biss is a highly accomplished pianist and educator with a deep understanding and passion for classical music. His expertise and engaging teaching style make him a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding and appreciation of the genre.
Requirements:
The detailed requirements for Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Part 2 course by Jonathan Biss on Coursera are as follows:
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Proficiency in basic music theory: As the course is aimed at intermediate-level musicians, it is recommended that students have a solid foundation in music theory, including the ability to read sheet music and an understanding of basic musical terminology.
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Access to a piano or keyboard: The course is primarily focused on piano performance, so it is essential that students have access to a piano or keyboard for practicing and completing assignments.
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Open-mindedness and curiosity: The course explores Beethoven's music in-depth, including its historical, cultural, and artistic context. It is essential that students approach the course with an open mind and a willingness to explore and engage with the material.
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Strong English language skills: All course lectures, materials, and assignments are presented in English. It is important that students have a strong command of the English language to fully participate in the course.
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Access to a computer or mobile device: The course is delivered entirely online, so students must have access to a computer or mobile device with reliable internet connectivity to participate in the course.
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