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The Piano Sonata

Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers

Matthew Bengtson

In this course, you’ll review sonata form and learn how the piano sonata was revitalized in the 20th century, with a particular attention to composers from Russia, where the sonata was an especially popular and successful genre. You’ll study some of the most influential piano sonatas of the 20th century, in both Neo-Classical and avant-garde styles. This course will also expose you to a variety of lesser-known and more recent compositions, showing how the piano sonata genre continues to expand and to thrive.

This course was filmed at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, among other locations, to showcase the depth of the sonata repertoire and the instruments that contributed to its history.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Setting the Stage

In the first week, you'll be introduced to the course structure and to the fundamentals surrounding sonata form and the history of the genre.

Russian Composers

This week looks at Russian composers, who were highly invested in the piano sonata genre in the 20th century. We will focus primarily on the works of the three major sonata composers: Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev. We will also get acquainted with a number of other important Russian composers in this genre.

20th and 21st Century Composers

This week looks at some of the most extraordinary piano sonatas composed after the Romantic Era (excluding Russians). We consider seven sonatas in some detail, by three French composers, two of German descent, and two born in America. The end of the course points towards the music of today by considering the extraordinary diversity of composers and works that led to it.

Course Conclusion and Honors Track Formal Analysis

For more advanced learners, an Honors Formal Analysis is available in this final week (not required for completion of the course).

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Introduces students to the fundamentals of sonata form and the history of the piano sonata genre

Focuses on Russian composers who were highly invested in the piano sonata genre in the 20th century

Looks at some of the most extraordinary piano sonatas composed after the Romantic Era

Considers seven sonatas in some detail, by three French composers, two of German descent, and two born in America

Examines how the piano sonata genre continues to expand and thrive today

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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 The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers with these activities:

Review of Sonata Form

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Review the basic concepts of sonata form to prepare for this course.

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Read about the structure of sonata form
Listen to examples of sonata form pieces
Analyze the form of a sonata form piece

Piano Sonata Resources Compilation

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Gather resources on piano sonatas to support your learning.

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Find resources on piano sonatas online and in the library
Organize the resources into a central location

Piano Sonata Analysis Tutorial

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Follow an expert-led guide to understand how to analyze 20th-century piano sonatas.

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Watch video tutorials on analyzing piano sonatas
Practice analyzing piano sonatas using the techniques learned in the tutorials

Five other activities

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Piano Sonata Workshop

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Attend this workshop to gain hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting piano sonatas.

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Attend the workshop
Participate in the discussions
Work on the assignments

Piano Sonata Analysis Blog Post

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Write a blog post analyzing a piano sonata of your choice.

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Choose a piano sonata to analyze
Research the sonata and its composer
Write the blog post

The Piano Sonata: Its Nature and Interpretation

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Read this book to gain insights into the history, structure, and interpretation of the piano sonata.

View Freedom and the Arts on Amazon

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Read the book's introduction
Read the chapter on the history of the piano sonata
Read the chapter on the structure of the piano sonata
Read the chapter on the interpretation of the piano sonata

Piano Sonata Analysis Practice Questions

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Solve practice questions to test your understanding of piano sonata analysis.

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Find practice questions online or in a textbook
Solve the practice questions
Review your answers

Piano Sonata Study Group

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Join a study group to discuss piano sonatas with other students.

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Find a study group
Attend the study group meetings
Participate in the discussions

Career center

Learners who complete The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Musician

As a Musician, you will play a musical instrument at a professional level. You may also compose, arrange, or conduct music. This course will provide you with a deeper understanding of music theory and composition, which will help you to improve your skills as a musician. This course will also expose you to a variety of musical styles, which will help you to develop your own unique voice as a musician.

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Music Producer

As a Music Producer, you will oversee the recording and production of music. You may work with musicians, engineers, and other producers to create a finished product. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and production. You will also learn about the different stages of the production process. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a producer.

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Music Director

As a Music Director, you will lead a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. You will be responsible for selecting the music, rehearsing the ensemble, and conducting performances. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and conducting. You will also learn about the different types of musical ensembles and the different ways to lead them. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a conductor.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Librarian

As a Music Librarian, you will organize and catalog music collections. You may also assist patrons with finding and using music materials. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and history. You will also learn about the different types of music libraries and the different ways to catalog music. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a librarian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Critic

As a Music Critic, you will write reviews and articles about music. You may also interview musicians and attend concerts. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and history. You will also learn about the different styles of music criticism. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a critic.

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Music Therapist

As a Music Therapist, you will use music to help people with a variety of physical, emotional, and mental health conditions. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and music therapy. You will also learn about the different types of music therapy and the different ways to use music to help people. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a therapist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Composer

As a Composer, you will create new musical works. You may write for a variety of instruments and ensembles. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and composition. You will also learn about the history of music and the different styles of composition. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a composer.

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Music Teacher

As a Music Teacher, you will provide instruction on musical instruments and music theory. You will hold recitals or concerts to showcase the work of your students. The skills you will develop in this course will help build your foundation in music theory and piano instruction. This course will provide you with tools to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in music and adapt your teaching style to the needs of your students. This course may also be useful for your own professional development in the field of music.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Music Professor

As a Music Professor, you will teach music theory, history, and performance at a college or university. You may also conduct research and publish articles and books. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and history. You will also learn about the different types of music courses and the different ways to teach music. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a professor.

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Music Agent

As a Music Agent, you will represent musicians and help them to book concerts, tours, and other performances. You may also negotiate contracts and manage their finances. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and the music industry. You will also learn about the different types of music agents and the different ways to market musicians. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as an agent.

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Music Publisher

As a Music Publisher, you will acquire, edit, and publish musical works. You may also work with composers, arrangers, and other musicians to create new works. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and publishing. You will also learn about the different types of music publishing and the different ways to market music. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a publisher.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publisher

Arranger

As an Arranger, you will adapt existing musical works for a different instrument or ensemble. You may also create new arrangements of popular songs. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and arranging. You will also learn about the different styles of arranging. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as an arranger.

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Piano Tuner

As a Piano Tuner, you will tune pianos to ensure that they are in proper working order. You may also work with piano manufacturers to develop new tuning methods. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and piano tuning. You will also learn about the different types of pianos and the different ways to tune them. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a tuner.

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Piano Technician

As a Piano Technician, you will tune, repair, and maintain pianos. You may also work with piano manufacturers to develop new pianos. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and piano technology. You will also learn about the different types of pianos and the different ways to tune and repair them. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a technician.

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Piano Salesperson

As a Piano Salesperson, you will sell pianos to customers. You may also work with piano manufacturers to promote their products. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in music theory and piano sales. You will also learn about the different types of pianos and the different ways to sell them. This knowledge will help you to develop your own unique voice as a salesperson.

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Music Historians

Music historians research, interpret, and write about the history of music. They may specialize in a particular genre, period, or region. This course will provide you with a well rounded understanding of the history of the piano sonata, including the work of Russian and 20th-21st century composers. This knowledge will give you a solid foundation for further study in music history or for a career as a music historian.

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Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Piano Sonata: Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers.

A History of the Sonata Idea

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A comprehensive look at the history of the piano sonata, serving as a valuable reference for enthusiasts.

The Piano Sonata

Russian and 20th-21st Century Composers

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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