The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/piano-sonata-origins-to-mozart

Introduction

**Course Review: The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart on Coursera** As a passionate lover of music and an eager learner of musical forms, I recently completed the Coursera course titled "The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart," and I must say, it was an eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for the piano sonata as a significant genre in classical music. **Course Overview** This course serves as an extensive introduction to the concept of sonata form, exploring its historical development, foundational principles, and the craftsmanship behind multi-movement compositions. Over the duration of the course, learners are guided through a fascinating journey that begins with the early masters of the sonata, such as Domenico Scarlatti, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Joseph Haydn, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The course highlights the intricate relationship between the evolution of keyboard instruments and the burgeoning musical styles of the time, including Baroque, Galant, and Classical styles. **Course Structure** The course is broken down into four main sections, each representing a week of content: 1. **Setting the Stage**: The first week sets the foundation, introducing key concepts surrounding sonata form. This week is crucial for anyone new to the genre, as it allows learners to familiarize themselves with the basic frameworks that define sonatal compositions and provide context for their more advanced studies. 2. **Dawn of the Sonata**: Week two dives into the origins of the solo keyboard sonata. What truly stood out for me in this section was the exploration of various keyboard instruments, such as the harpsichord and clavichord, and how they shaped compositional styles. Understanding these instruments enhanced my comprehension of the sound characteristics that early composers grappled with. 3. **Viennese Classics: Haydn and Mozart**: The focus shifts to the Viennese tradition, where the course delves into the contributions of Haydn and Mozart. The discussions around their social and cultural contexts, as well as their stylistic nuances, were enlightening. Comparing the two composers' output of keyboard sonatas illuminated the distinctive features and aesthetic values each brought to their work. 4. **Conclusion and Optional Honors Project**: The course wraps up with an opportunity for advanced learners to engage in an Honors Formal Analysis project, providing a platform to apply the knowledge gained throughout the course. While not required for course completion, this project is an excellent option for those wishing to delve deeper into formal analysis. **What to Expect** Throughout the course, learners are treated to a mix of video lectures, interactive quizzes, and recommended readings that reinforce the material. The instructors clearly demonstrate their expertise and passion for the subject matter, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a casual music enthusiast, you'll find the lessons engaging and accessible. **Recommendation** I wholeheartedly recommend "The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart" for anyone interested in classical music, particularly those eager to grasp the underpinnings of sonata form and its key players. The course is structured in a way that is approachable for beginners while also providing depth for more experienced musicians. It not only empowers learners with historical knowledge but also enriches your listening experience by placing emphasis on the context and innovation behind the music. In conclusion, this course is a valuable resource that demystifies the piano sonata, and by the end, you'll not only understand its origins but also appreciate the genius of composers like Haydn and Mozart on a much deeper level. So, if you’re looking to expand your musical horizons, I highly recommend enrolling in this enlightening course!

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.

In this week, we'll learn more about the dawn of the solo keyboard sonata: its origins, influences, and some of the early composers. You'll also be introduced to various keyboard instruments of the period that influenced compositional style, including the harpsichord, clavichord, and some early pianos.

This week discusses Haydn and Mozart, emphasizing their social-cultural context, patterns in their output of keyboard sonatas, and comparing and contrasting their styles. It also introduces the Viennese and English pianos that were popular in this period.

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