Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 from Coursera

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Syllabus

Welcome to Class!

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.

Op. 2, No. 3

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.

Op. 13, "Pathetique"

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.

Op. 53, "Waldstein"

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.

Op. 90

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.

Listening to the Sonatas

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

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Good to know

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Demystifies techniques and methods that are standard in classical sonatas by listening and performing the sonatas

Develops knowledge about Beethoven's experimentation with the sonata musical structure

Provides foundational skills for playing and analyzing classical sonatas

Taught by Jonathan Biss, who is well-known for his piano performances and interpretations of Beethoven sonatas

Suitable for learners of all experience levels, including beginners

Requires basic knowledge of Western classical music

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 with these activities:

Review basic musical principles

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Reinforce your understanding of musical concepts before starting the course to set a strong foundation.

Browse courses on Music Notation

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Review different types of musical scales, such as the major, minor, and pentatonic scales.
Familiarize yourself with basic music notation, including notes, rests, and clefs.
Explore different musical instruments and their characteristics.
Read up on basic music theory concepts, such as rhythm, harmony, and form.

Review Music Theory Concepts

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Ensure a strong foundation for understanding Beethoven's sonatas by reviewing essential music theory concepts.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Read textbooks or online resources on music theory.
Practice analyzing musical excerpts using the concepts learned.

Gather Resources on Beethoven's Sonatas

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Enhance your learning by organizing and expanding on the materials provided in the course.

Browse courses on Compilation

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Bookmark and save online articles, videos, and other resources related to Beethoven's sonatas.
Create a centralized folder or document to store these resources for easy reference.

Ten other activities

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Read 'Beethoven' by Maynard Solomon

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Expand your knowledge of Beethoven's life and musical style through the insights provided in this acclaimed biography.

View Beethoven, Revised Edition on Amazon

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Read specific chapters focusing on the time periods covered in the course.
Pay attention to the author's analysis of Beethoven's personality, creative process, and historical context.

Join a study group to discuss and analyze Beethoven's sonatas

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Engage with other students to exchange perspectives, deepen your comprehension, and develop a well-rounded understanding of Beethoven's sonatas.

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Connect with fellow students in the course and form a study group.
Choose a specific sonata to analyze together, focusing on its structure, themes, and historical context.
Share your insights, interpretations, and questions with the group.

Engage in Discussion Forums

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Connect with fellow learners and share your insights, questions, and interpretations of Beethoven's sonatas.

Browse courses on Discussion

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Participate in online discussion forums or study groups centered around the course material.
Share your thoughts on specific sonatas, ask questions, and respond to others' contributions.

Follow video tutorials on Beethoven's sonatas

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Supplement your learning by watching video tutorials that provide in-depth analysis and demonstrations of Beethoven's sonatas.

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Search for video tutorials on specific sonatas covered in the course.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts, musical techniques, and historical context.
Practice applying the concepts learned from the tutorials to your own musical interpretations.

Attend Live Workshops or Masterclasses

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Complement your online learning with in-person events to engage with experts and explore Beethoven's sonatas interactively.

Browse courses on Live Events

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Research upcoming workshops or masterclasses focusing on Beethoven or related topics.
Register and attend the events to gain insights from experienced musicians and scholars.

Practice Identifying Sonata Forms

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Actively work to recognize sonata form in various pieces to reinforce your understanding of its structure.

Browse courses on Sonata Form

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Listen to several pieces of music with clear sonata form structures.
Identify the exposition, development, recapitulation, and coda sections in each piece.
Analyze the key changes, thematic development, and overall structure of each movement.

Practice sight-reading and playing Beethoven's sonatas

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Improve your musical skills by practicing sight-reading and playing Beethoven's sonatas to enhance your understanding of their technical and expressive demands.

Browse courses on Piano Performance

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Find sheet music for Beethoven's sonatas and practice sight-reading them regularly.
Record yourself playing the sonatas and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
Seek feedback from a music teacher or experienced pianist to refine your technique and interpretation.

Create a Visual Timeline of Beethoven's Sonatas

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Solidify your understanding of the historical context and evolution of Beethoven's sonatas by creating a visual timeline.

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Gather information about the dates of composition and publication of Beethoven's sonatas.
Create a timeline using a visual format such as a chart or infographic.
Include key events and milestones in Beethoven's life that may have influenced his compositions.

Contribute to the Open Music Score Database

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Deepen your understanding of Beethoven's sonatas by actively contributing to the open-source database of musical scores.

Browse courses on Music Theory

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Join online communities or projects dedicated to collecting and sharing musical scores.
Proofread existing scores or transcribe new sonatas into digital formats.

Compose a short musical piece inspired by Beethoven's sonatas

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Challenge yourself by composing a musical piece that reflects your understanding and appreciation of Beethoven's sonatas.

Browse courses on Music Composition

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Analyze the structure, harmonies, and rhythms of Beethoven's sonatas to identify their characteristic elements.
Experiment with different musical ideas and techniques inspired by Beethoven's work.
Develop your own musical themes and melodies while incorporating elements of Beethoven's style.

Career center

Learners who complete Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Audio Engineer

Audio Engineers record, mix, and master sound for a variety of purposes, including music, film, and television. They work in recording studios, concert halls, and other venues. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Audio Engineers, as it provides a deep understanding of the principles of sound engineering. This knowledge can help Audio Engineers capture, mix, and master the sound of musical performances, including piano sonatas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Engineer

Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. They work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create and release albums, singles, and other musical products. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Producers, as it provides a deep understanding of the music production process. This knowledge can help Music Producers develop and execute their own music production projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Director

Music Directors oversee the artistic and administrative aspects of musical organizations, such as orchestras, choirs, and opera companies. They are responsible for selecting and preparing musical programs, conducting rehearsals, and leading performances. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Directors, as it provides a deep understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas, which are often performed by orchestras and chamber ensembles. This knowledge can help Music Directors make informed decisions about programming and interpretation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Educator

Music Educators teach music to students of all ages and levels. They may work in public schools, private schools, or music studios. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Educators, as it provides a deep understanding of classical music, including Beethoven's piano sonatas. This knowledge can help Music Educators develop and deliver engaging music lessons and activities for their students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Music Librarian

Music Librarians organize and catalog music collections in libraries, archives, and museums. They also assist researchers and patrons with finding and using music resources. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Librarians, as it provides a deep understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas, which are often housed in music libraries and archives. This knowledge can help Music Librarians develop and maintain specialized music collections and assist researchers with their work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about musical performances, recordings, and compositions. They provide insights into the music, the performers, and the composers. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Critics, as it provides a deep understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas, which are often the subject of critical analysis. This knowledge can help Music Critics write informed and insightful reviews and articles.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They work with people of all ages and abilities, in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Therapists, as it provides a deep understanding of the power of music to heal and inspire. This knowledge can help Music Therapists develop and deliver effective music therapy interventions.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may review concerts and albums, interview musicians, and write feature articles about music-related topics. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Journalists, as it provides a deep understanding of classical music, including Beethoven's piano sonatas. This knowledge can help Music Journalists write informed and engaging articles about music.

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Composer

Composers create new musical works. They may write for a variety of instruments and ensembles, including orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Composers, as it provides a deep exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, including their structure, harmony, and interpretation. This knowledge can help Composers develop their own unique musical style and create new works that are inspired by the masters.

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Music Teacher

Music Teachers introduce students to music theory, instrumentation, composition, and music history. They also teach students how to play musical instruments and improve their singing voices. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Teachers, as it provides a deep exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, including their structure, harmony, and interpretation. This knowledge can help Music Teachers better understand and teach classical music to their students.

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Music Historian

Music Historians research and write about the history of music. They may specialize in a particular period, genre, or composer. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Historians, as it provides a deep exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, including their historical context and significance. This knowledge can help Music Historians develop and conduct research on music history.

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Music Professor

Music Professors teach music theory, history, composition, and performance at colleges and universities. They also conduct research in music-related fields. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Music Professors, as it provides a deep exploration of Beethoven's piano sonatas, including their structure, harmony, and interpretation. This knowledge can help Music Professors develop and deliver engaging lectures and seminars on classical music.

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Concert Pianist

Concert Pianists perform classical music for audiences around the world. They may perform solo recitals, concertos with orchestras, or chamber music with other musicians. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Concert Pianists, as it provides a deep understanding of Beethoven's piano sonatas, which are often performed by concert pianists. This knowledge can help Concert Pianists develop their technique, interpretation, and stage presence.

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Musical Instrument Maker

Musical Instrument Makers create and repair musical instruments. They may specialize in a particular type of instrument, such as violins, guitars, or pianos. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Musical Instrument Makers, as it provides a deep understanding of the structure and mechanics of the piano. This knowledge can help Musical Instrument Makers design, build, and repair pianos that are of the highest quality.

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Piano Tuner

Piano Tuners maintain and repair pianos. They adjust the tension of the strings to ensure that the piano is in tune. This Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 course may be useful for aspiring Piano Tuners, as it provides a deep understanding of the structure and mechanics of the piano. This knowledge can help Piano Tuners better understand and maintain pianos, which are essential for musical performances.

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