Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas Part 2 from Coursera

Welcome to Part 2 of Exploring Beethoven's Piano Sonatas!

I'm delighted to launch another set of new lectures of this course as Part 2. As before, this class is meant for people of all levels of experience with Beethoven's music (including no experience at all!). Remember that you are able to watch the lectures as many times as you like, at whatever pace is comfortable for you.

As I’ve done with the first set of Beethoven lectures, I look forward to meeting with students—online and in person, in various cities. The dates and locations will be posted in the Announcements and Events section, as part of the course content. So please remember to check back there for details.

In these four new lectures, we will explore the following sonatas:

• Sonata Op. 2, No. 3

• Sonata Op. 13 (“Pathetique”)

• Sonata Op. 53 (“Waldstein”)

• Sonata Op. 90

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What's inside

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

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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