Curtis Institute of Music
Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2
Curtis Institute of Music

Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2

Taught in English

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Jonathan Biss

Instructor: Jonathan Biss

5.0

(161 reviews)

Beginner level
No prior experience required
8 hours to complete
3 weeks at 2 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

Details to know

Assessments

4 quizzes

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There are 7 modules in this course

We’re happy that you’ve joined us for Part 2 of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas course! This course is considered Part 2, with a brand new and separate set of lectures. In Part 2, we will cover Beethoven's Piano Sonatas Op. 2, No. 3, Op. 13 ("Pathetique"), Op. 53 ("Waldstein") and Op. 90 . Please remember that it doesn't matter if you have taken the first part of the previous Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas course. You can jump in here with Part 2 and start learning right away. And if you'd like, you always have the option of going back to take Part 1 of the original course at any time. The items you see here will enable you to get the most out of Part 2 of the course. Please note that there are previous offerings and resources as part of Part 1, and we encourage you to reference those additional items as well.

What's included

3 readings

The course kicks off with Beethoven's Op. 2 No. 3, an exuberant work full of youth and ambition. The work was a huge statement for 26-year-old Beethoven, and in this lecture Mr. Biss examines how Beethoven starts to innovate the sonata as a musical form, even in his very first opus for the solo piano. In doing so, we'll also lay some groundwork for the next few sonatas to be covered in the course.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 quiz

The course continues with Beethoven's Op. 13 Sonata, nicknamed the "Pathétique." Known for its high drama and pathos, the "Pathétique" is a gem from Beethoven's early period and is one of Beethoven's most popular piano sonatas. In this lecture, Mr. Biss uncovers how Beethoven achieves these intense characters within the context of a classical sonata.

What's included

9 videos1 reading1 quiz

The Op. 53 Sonata, nicknamed the "Waldstein," is a monumental achievement and a cornerstone of the piano repertoire. In this lecture, Mr. Biss explains how Beethoven breaks apart conventions in harmony and form to write one of the most adventurous and thrilling compositions of his middle period.

What's included

15 videos1 reading1 quiz

The final sonata in this course is Beethoven's Op. 90. As Beethoven had not written a piano sonata for five years prior to the composition of Op. 90, Mr. Biss examines this work as a beginning of a late, mature style and a harbinger of great things to come. We will also uncover how Beethoven, ever the innovator, manages to elevate the sonata form into a new, unfathomable realm.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 quiz

To supplement your learning during the course, enjoy free access to several of the Jonathan's Beethoven Sonatas recordings.

What's included

1 reading

We hope you enjoyed the course. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us.

What's included

1 reading

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.8 (34 ratings)
Jonathan Biss
Curtis Institute of Music
6 Courses84,483 learners

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