Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas from Coursera

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How Things Were

To examine the relationship Beethoven had with the piano sonata, we begin by looking at its origins. In this lecture, we will discuss the role of music generally, and of the sonata specifically, in the time of Haydn and Mozart. This lecture will also provide an introduction to the form of the sonata—to the psychological effect sonata structure has on the listener. This background will be necessary to appreciate the innovations Beethoven introduces.

The First Thirteen

Beethoven’s work has traditionally been divided into three or four periods. This is problematic, for various reasons, but the first 13 of the 32 sonatas do, in a sense, form a unit. This lecture will focus on Sonata No. 4, Op. 7, which is the largest and altogether one of the most impressive of the early works. Topics will include Beethoven’s use of the piano and the use of the sonata as a “vehicle” for the pianist, the ways in which this and other early sonatas conform to the model established by Haydn and Mozart and the ways in which they do not, and the foreshadowing of the fixations of the later years, while holding, at least on the surface, to the conventions of the time. Topics will include Beethoven’s use of the piano, and the use of the sonata as a “vehicle” for the pianist, the ways in which this and other early sonatas conform to the model established by Haydn and Mozart and the ways in which they do not, and the foreshadowing of the fixations of the later years, while holding, at least on the surface, to the conventions of the time.

New Paths

Beethoven’s conception of the sonata was perpetually in flux, but the year 1801 is a particularly experimental one. The four sonatas Op. 26 through 28 (Nos. 14 through 17, chronologically) feature the most concrete innovations among the sonatas written up to that point, and are the focus of this lecture. There will be discussion of the relationship between the movements in a classical sonata, and the radical shift it begins to undergo at this point. We will also examine the ways in which these sonatas were influential to future generations of composers, which the earlier works, great as they are, were not. As a special feature for this lecture, a recording by a current Curtis student of the first movement of Op. 28 will be available on Curtis Performs.

Crisis

From 1793 until 1809, Beethoven composed at a steady pace. But for the next several years, he stalled dramatically, as he dealt with the onset of his deafness, severely trying personal circumstances, and the struggle to find what would become his late style, which to a remarkable degree involved the total reinvention of his musical language. This lecture examines the intersection of these three issues, and of his life and music more generally. Works discussed come from this comparatively fallow period and will include the Fantasy, Op. 77, which exemplifies the vital role improvisation played in all of Beethoven’s music, and the Sonatas Op. 78, and 81a, the “Lebewohl.” The last of these is one of Beethoven’s only serious experiments with program music, which made it an important reference point for many 19th-century composers. Another topic will be the ways in which the works of this period seem to manipulate time, which was always one of Beethoven’s key fascinations, and becomes ever more critical moving into the late period.

Towards Infinity

For this lecture, the focus will be on the Sonata Op. 109, the first of the final three, in which Beethoven’s decades-long grappling with the form comes to its astonishing conclusion. We will also look back at the early period—the Sonata Op. 10, No. 1 (the seventh he wrote) in particular—for the purposes of “zooming out,” and examining the evolution that took place in the interim: an evolution not just of form, but of style, of musical language, of Beethoven’s conception of the role of music. This lecture will also include a discussion of Beethoven’s legacy—specifically, of the way in which his music came to represent simultaneously the highest possible aspiration and the most insurmountable problem for generations of composers who followed him.

Op. 2, No. 1, and Op. 10, No. 2

This lecture delves into two of the early sonatas: the F minor, Op. 2, No. 1 (the first of the 32), and the F Major, Op. 10, No. 2. Unlike “The First Thirteen” lecture, which was nominally about the Sonata Op. 7 but sought to address the early period in general, this lecture focuses on the specific characteristics that make each of these works unique; one is predominantly a dramatic piece, whereas the other is highly comic. The lecture is also about Beethoven’s complex relationship with the musical past—how he used it as an inspiration even as he tried to leave it behind.

Op. 57: The "Appassionata"

The topic of this lecture is the Sonata Op. 57, commonly known as the "Appassionata"—one of Beethoven’s most iconic works. The sonata’s unusual (for Beethoven) and unrelenting emotional trajectory is a major topic, as is his use of a surprising chord as a sort of "idée fixe," helping to unify the work and drive home its extraordinary character. Another critical topic is the way in which the "Appassionata" exemplifies Beethoven’s unsurpassed resourcefulness—how he can use the slightest of materials to create a vast canvas.

Op. 101

This lecture explores the Sonata Op. 101, commonly thought to be the first sonata that belongs to the late period. Major topics include the first movement’s unusual harmonic instability, and the way in which this becomes a source of the music’s character; the way in which the sonata’s scope expands as it goes along, which helps clarify its status as a late period work, and the sonata’s great influence on later composers, Schumann and Mendelssohn in particular.

Learning Library

The Learning Library contains supplementary resources to help you during and after this course: lesson notes, suggested readings, and links to streaming audio files for most of the sonatas explored in the course.

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This course is a deep dive into the world of Beethoven's piano sonatas, offering a unique perspective from a performer

Taught by Jonathan Biss, a renowned pianist and professor at the Curtis Institute of Music

Suitable for intermediate or advanced piano players, as well as music enthusiasts who want to deepen their understanding of Beethoven's work

In-depth analysis and exploration of each sonata, focusing on its historical context and musical significance

Provides insights into Beethoven's creative process and the evolution of his musical style

Reviews summary

Beethoven piano sonatas: knowledge for advanced musicians

According to students, Exploring Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas is an engaging course that greatly increases an understanding and appreciation of some of Beethoven’s most interesting sonatas. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor, Jonathan Bliss, is an excellent communicator and a brilliant pianist. Students mention this course is well organized and carefully constructed with helpful lecture notes and amazing content. Students eager to learn but with little background knowledge of classical music say that it can be difficult at times.

Course is well organized

"This is a wonderful course. Mr. Biss is a terrific teacher, obviously very knowledgeable and on a mission to pass on his knowledge to others."

"I loved this course! It was well organized and carefully constructed."

"The lecture notes were so helpful that I plan to save them as I continue listening to Beethoven's sonatas on my own."

Course can be transformative

"This course and Mr. Biss' immense knowledge of Beethoven's sonatas and that era has given me a new interest in classical music."

"I'm not a musician but have always enjoyed classical music; now I understand better what I'm hearing, even if some of it went over my head!"

"A spa for your ears, and your mind~I was definitely one of those Mr. Biss mentioned in his lecture who held unjust bias against Beethoven's melodic writing skills, partially due to the fact that I was largely exposed to the latter's symphonic works and those piano made popular by pop culture prior to Mr. Biss."

Instructor is knowledgeable and engaging

"Excellent course. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable tutor."

"This was an excellent course. Jonathan Bliss was engaging and knowledgeable."

"A delight and a privilege to hear Mr. Biss discuss - and play - this beautiful music."

Can be difficult

"love learning! though for someone who does not know anything a little hard..."

"This is a wonderful course. Mr. Biss is a terrific teacher, obviously very knowledgeable and on a mission to pass on his knowledge to others. My background in classical music is weak but he was still able to present most of the material at a level which I could understand."

"I thought I knew some of these sonatas well from repeated listening and studying them as a piano student. But Mr. Biss opened the doors to them much more widely - his insight and his performances and his explanations were incredibly enlightening for me."

Career center

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

Music Archivist

As a Music Archivist, you will organize and preserve music collections. You may work in a library, museum, or other institution. You will need to have a strong knowledge of music theory and history, as well as archival practices. The Exploring Beethoven course could be helpful to you as a Music Archivist as it will help you to develop your knowledge of music history and archival techniques.

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Sound Engineer

As a Sound Engineer, you will record, mix, and master audio for a variety of purposes, such as music, film, and television. You will need to have a strong understanding of acoustics and audio engineering techniques. The Exploring Beethoven course may be helpful to you as a Sound Engineer as it will give you the opportunity to develop your critical listening skills.

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Music Publisher

A Music Publisher manages the rights to musical compositions and collects royalties. They may also promote and distribute music. A Music Publisher typically requires a bachelor's degree in music business or a related field, so the Exploring Beethoven course may not be as useful in preparing for this role, but it might make you a more well-rounded candidate.

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Music Agent

As a Music Agent, you will represent musicians and negotiate contracts for their performances and recordings. You will also provide guidance and support to your clients. You will need to have a strong understanding of the music industry and excellent negotiation skills. The Exploring Beethoven course may help you broaden your musical knowledge and understanding of the music business, both of which could be useful to you as a Music Agent.

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Music Journalist

As a Music Journalist, you will write about music for newspapers, magazines, and websites. You may also write about music-related topics such as trends, history, and theory. You will need to have a strong knowledge of music theory and performance techniques, as well as excellent writing skills. The Exploring Beethoven course will help you develop the writing skills necessary to be successful as a Music Journalist.

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Music Critic

As a Music Critic, you will write and publish reviews of musical performances and recordings. You will also write about music-related topics such as trends, history, and theory. You may work for a newspaper, magazine, or website. The Exploring Beethoven course could be very useful to you as a Music Critic as it will give you the opportunity to hone your critical thinking and writing skills.

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Music Professor

As a Music Professor, you will teach music theory, history, and performance techniques at a college or university. You may also conduct research and publish scholarly articles. You will need to have a strong foundation in music theory and performance techniques, as well as teaching experience. The Exploring Beethoven course could be useful to you as a Music Professor as it will give you the opportunity to develop your research and teaching skills.

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Music Librarian

As a Music Librarian, you will be responsible for managing and organizing music collections. You may work in a public library, university library, or other institution. You will need to have a strong knowledge of music theory and performance techniques, as well as library science. The Exploring Beethoven course could be useful to you as a Music Librarian as it will help deepen your understanding of music.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. They work with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Music Therapists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and rehabilitation centers. It is important for Music Therapists to have a strong foundation in music theory and performance techniques, and the Exploring Beethoven course may be helpful in this regard by providing a deeper understanding of music.

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Music Historian

As a Music Historian, you will research and write about the history of music. You may specialize in a particular period or genre of music. You may work for a university, museum, or other organization. The Exploring Beethoven course will help you develop the research and writing skills necessary to be successful as a Music Historian.

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Music Producer

As a Music Producer, you will be responsible for overseeing the recording and production of music. You will work with musicians, engineers, and other professionals to create high-quality recordings. You may also be involved in the marketing and promotion of music. The Exploring Beethoven course will help you understand the intricacies of the music production process, which is a valuable skill for any Music Producer.

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Music Director

As a Music Director, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of a musical organization, such as an orchestra or choir. You will work with musicians to prepare and perform concerts. You may also be responsible for fundraising and other administrative tasks. The Exploring Beethoven course may be helpful to you as a Music Director as it will give you the opportunity to study the works of one of the greatest composers in history.

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Musician

As a Musician, you will perform music using your voice or instrument. You may perform solo or as part of an ensemble. You may perform classical, jazz, rock, or any other style of music. The Exploring Beethoven course is a great way to build a strong foundation in music theory and performance techniques. This could be very useful to you as a Musician

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Composer

As a Composer, you will create original music compositions in a variety of styles for different purposes and settings. You may write orchestral music, chamber music, or music for solo instruments. You may also compose music for film, television, or video games. A good foundation in music theory is essential to a successful composing career, and the Exploring Beethoven course could be a valuable addition to your musical background as a Composer.

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Music Teacher

In this role, you will provide individual or group instruction in vocal or instrumental music skills. You may work with students of all ages, from young children to adults. Some states require that public school music teachers be certified, while private music teachers may not need any special certification or licensing. The Exploring Beethoven course is a good way to maximize your music knowledge, which could be very useful to your career as a Music Teacher.

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