In this course, you’ll be introduced to sonata form; how it works, where it came from, and how sonatas are put together as multi-movement compositions. We will analyze the early history of the piano sonata and discover the important early masters of this style (Scarlatti, CPE Bach, Haydn, and Mozart). You’ll then investigate the relationship between the keyboard instruments of the time and the musical style, and be able to differentiate between Baroque, Galant, and Classical styles.
The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart
The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart
This course is part of Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization
Instructor: Matthew Bengtson
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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.9
(27 reviews)
Intermediate level
Some related experience required
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Understand how sonata form works and where it came from.
Analyze the early history of the piano sonata.
Differentiate between Baroque, Galant, and Classical styles.
Skills you'll gain
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Assessments
5 assignments
Taught in English
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This course is part of the Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course
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.
What's included
5 videos2 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
7 videos8 readings2 assignments1 discussion prompt
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.
What's included
11 videos5 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts
For more advanced learners, an Honors Formal Analysis is available in this final week (not required for completion of the course).
What's included
4 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.6 (11 ratings)Offered by
Recommended if you're interested in Music and Art
Berklee
Universitat de Barcelona
Universitat Pompeu Fabra of Barcelona
Duke University
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4.9
27 reviews
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AM
5
Reviewed on Jan 21, 2024
A most wonderful course, a delight for Piano music lovers, given in an interesting and friendly way.
NL
4
Reviewed on Oct 11, 2023
Very interesting. Quizzes a bit esoteric. Very good and very talented lecturer.
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Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
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