A Beginner’s Guide to the Concerto
1 day, 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
What is a concerto? Since the 17th century, the concerto has been one of the most popular genres of classical music, combining the virtuosity of a soloist with the glorious power of an orchestra. This course aims to enhance your understanding and appreciation of great concertos, by guiding you through the structure and experience of the genre, and familiarising you with its history and development. We will listen to music by Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Tchaikovsky and others. No musical knowledge is necessary.
Course Outline
Session 1
- Introduction to the Concerto
- Definition and origins of the concerto
- The Baroque Concerto: three types of concerto
- Bach, Handel, Vivaldi
- Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
- Vivaldi: Piccolo Concerto
- Ritornello form
Session 2
- The Classical Concerto
- Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven
- Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat
- Mozart: Various concertos for clarinet, bassoon, horn, oboe and piano
- Beethoven: Piano Concertos, Violin Concerto
- The First Movement: Concerto Sonata Form
Session 3
- The Romantic Concerto
- Mendelssohn, Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Tchaikovsky
- Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1
- Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2
- Schumann: Cello Concerto
- Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor
- Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos, Violin Concerto
- The Second Movement: Ternary or Song Form
Session 4
- The Twentieth Century Concerto
- Rakhmaninov, Elgar, Ravel, Schoenberg, Stravinsky
- Rakhmaninov: Piano Concertos
- Elgar: Cello Concerto
- Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F
- Vaughan Williams: Romance for Harmonica and Strings
- The Third Movement: Sonata-Rondo Form
Music we will listen to includes
- Bach: Brandenburg Concertos
- Beethoven: Piano Concertos, Violin Concerto
- Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 2
- Elgar: Cello Concerto
- Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F
- Grieg: Piano Concerto in A Minor
- Haydn: Trumpet Concerto in E Flat
- Liszt: Piano Concerto No. 1
- Mozart: Various concertos for clarinet, bassoon, horn, oboe and piano
- Rakhmaninov: Piano Concertos
- Schumann: Cello Concerto
- Tchaikovsky: Piano Concertos, Violin Concerto
- Vaughan Williams: Romance for Harmonica and Strings
- Vivaldi: Piccolo Concerto
Buy the course notes for this class
In hard copy book form, through Lulu Press$22 + postage
What people say
“Excellently prepared and paced. Lovely illustrations – graphics and music. Exactly what I expected and wanted. Thank you Susan”
“Very well presented course. Susan’s notes/handouts are comprehensive and informative, almost unnecessary to take notes during course. The music examples played throughout make Susan’s courses the most enjoyable I have attended. I have a greater understanding of music and composers. I will certainly get a great deal more from all music, especially concertos”
“Enjoyed the content of this musical course. Susan very engaging and informative. Great!”
“Very instructive and entertaining”
“I enjoyed Susan’s enthusiasm and ease of manner in presenting the course. Thank you”
“Good and very comprehensive. Well worthwhile”