8 Wednesdays 4:00-6:00PM Pacific Time
May 6- June 24, 2020 Interactive Lectures on ZOOM
Even in our 21st century, composers from the Romantic Era (ca 1810-1880) fill the majority of classical music programs. Of course we still listen to Bach, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. We adore the late Romantic composers Strauss and Mahler, not to mention the French Impressionists Debussy and Ravel. And fortunately, many hold dear hundreds of 20th century composers as well as the newest voices emerging in our 21st century. But far and away, it’s the music from the Romantic Era that draws most of our hearts and minds.
This series will explore the reason for this phenomenon in the music of eight Romantic era composers who continue to be the most influential, studied, and admired: Schubert, Berlioz, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Chopin, Wagner, Brahms, and Tchaikovsky. All strong individuals; all building on the innovations and musical language of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven to carve out highly personal worlds. We will explore these worlds in an interactive online journey that only requires your curiosity and enthusiasm. No previous musical knowledge necessary.
Complete Series: $??? Individual Sessions: $??
Reserve at www.russellsteinberg.com
1. Romantic Era Overview and Schubert the SongmasterSelected Songs: The Earl King, To Music, selections from The Winter’s JourneySelected Piano Music: Impromptus in A Flat and F minor, Sonata in B flat Major
2. Berlioz the Hyper-RomanticSymphonie Fantastique
Sanctus from Requiem Mass
3. Schumann the Musical PoetArabeske, Dedication (Widmung), Poet’s Love (Dichterliebe)
4. Mendelssohn the Romantic ProdigySelected piano music from Songs Without Words
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
5. Chopin the Sublime PianistSelected Preludes, Berceuse, Mazurka in F minor (op. 68#4)
Piano Concerto No. 1
6. Brahms the Supreme CraftsmanSelected Intermezzi
Variations on a Theme by Haydn
7. Wagner, Opera, and the Twilight of TonalityPrelude to Tristan and Isolde, Ride of the Valkyries, Prelude to Parsifal
8. Tchaikovsky and the Russian Soul; Peek at the Late Romantic ComposersSymphony No. 2, first movement
Symphony No. 6, Pathetique