The Late Romantic composers pushed the Western tonal system to its limit. Their music with its rich harmony and detailed textures still enthralls, even obsesses us, today. It marks both the pinnacle of the classical tradition from the time of Vivaldi as well as the birth of new musical languages and colors that would eventually break the tonal system and define the Modern Era. That is why Late Romantic music is so heavily weighted with both a sense of deep nostalgia and a sense of disintegration.

We will explore and indulge our ears in captivating masterworks from four of the most remarkable Late Romantic composers: Debussy, Ravel, Maher, and Richard Strauss—two French, two German. All four were absolute masters of orchestration, creating colors and textures never before imagined. But they followed different paths. Debussy and Ravel experimented to make the color of sound primary, even more important melody or harmonic progression. Mahler and Strauss, on the other hand, experimented to translate Wagner’s operatic vision of a ‘total art’ into instrumental music, so that each piece seemed to embody an entire world.

These eight Zoom sessions, will be an interactive online journey with piano demonstrations, recording excerpts, and lively discussion that only requires your curiosity and enthusiasm. No previous musical knowledge necessary. Note: these sessions will be recorded for future publication; by participating, you give your consent to be part of the recording.

1.  Late Romantic Era Overview and Debussy Part 1
Clair de lune (Light of the Moon)
Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
Selected Piano Preludes
String Quartet

2.. Debussy Part 2
Reflets dans l’eau (Reflections in the Water), from Images
La Mer (The Sea)
Sonata for Flute, Viola, and Harp
Jeux (Games)

3. Richard Strauss Part 1
Don Juan
Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration)
Till Eulenspiegel

4. Richard Strauss Part 2
Ein Heldenleben (A Hero’s Journey)
Salome excerpts
Four Last Songs=

5. Gustav Mahler Part 1
Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen (Songs of a Wayfarer)
Symphony No. 1

6. Gustav Mahler Part 2
Das Lied von der Erde (The Song of the Earth)
Symphony No. 10

7. Maurice Ravel Part 1
Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess)
Jeux d’eau (Fountains)
Bolero
Ma Mére l’Oye (Mother Goose Suite)

8. Maurice Ravel Part 2
String Quartet
Piano Concerto for the Left Hand
La Valse