University of Michigan

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

University of Michigan

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

This course is part of Exploring Piano Literature: The Piano Sonata Specialization

Matthew Bengtson

Instructor: Matthew Bengtson

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

15 reviews

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

15 reviews

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Learn how the piano sonata was revitalized in the 20th century.

  • Study both Neo-Classical and avant-garde styles.

  • Explore the work of Russian composers, such as Scriabin, Medtner, and Prokofiev.

Details to know

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Assessments

6 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

Module details

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 videos3 readings1 assignment1 discussion prompt

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.

What's included

13 videos9 readings2 assignments3 discussion prompts

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.

What's included

8 videos10 readings2 assignments2 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

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Instructor

Instructor ratings
(6 ratings)
Matthew Bengtson
University of Michigan
3 Courses3,922 learners

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University of Michigan

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