Beethoven

Beethoven - Adagio cantabile (2nd movt from Sonata in C minor ‘Pathétique’, Op. 13)

ABRSM Grade 8 - B12

The famous second movement of Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata begins in the manner of a string quartet, the first violin entering only in the second phrase. Play the viola-like semiquaver part very softly and judge how much to give the cello line so that it supports the melodic line on top. When the main melody returns, the triplet figuration encourages the music to move forwards. The coda, an adieu, brings the music to a gentle close. Organise the ornaments rhythmically in the middle section, ensuring they enhance their surroundings. Preview (please log-in or... Read >>

Beethoven - Bagatelle in E-Flat (No.1 from Seven Bagatelles, Op. 33)

ABRSM Grade 7 – A2

Beethoven wrote short pieces (which he called “trifles”) throughout his creative life, which he published in three collections. This piece is the first from the earliest set, op. 33. In rondo form (ABACABA with a generous coda), Beethoven brings variety to the main theme whenever it comes back. Graceful throughout with touches of humour, the player will need to respond imaginatively when phrases repeat.... Read >>

Beethoven - Bagatelle in G minor, Op. 119 No. 1

ABRSM Grade 5 – A5

A bagatelle is a short piece, usually light in nature. Beethoven wrote several sets of bagatelles throughout his life, the opus 119 set was completed in 1820. The G minor, op. 119 no. 1 is like a minuet, beginning with a melancholy theme in G minor, followed by a calmer section in E flat major. A short bridge brings us back to the opening theme, this time varied with more activity and an especially athletic left hand part. A Picardy third ends the piece with a smile. Preview (please log-in... Read >>

Jacques Ibert - Little White Donkey

(Op. 68 No. 12)

Knight Rupert, No. 12 from Schumann’s Album for the Young, Op. 68, is a favourite recital piece for the intermediate player, and great fun to play. The rousing A section contrasts beautifully with the more lyrical B section. Come up with a story line from your imagination, but first do some research on the character - according to German folklore Knight Rupert is Saint Nicolas’ companion, but someone who might give lumps of coal to naughty children instead of a more welcome Christmas present. The piece places plenty of demands on the player, and I have selected three Q-spots that... Read >>

Beethoven - Sonata No. 14 in C# Minor ("Moonlight") (Op. 27 No. 2)

Op. 27 No. 2 (1st Movement)

This collection of nine videos gives a step-by-step guide to playing the first movement of Beethoven’s Sonata in C# Minor (Sonata quasi una fantasia) or "Moonlight" (Op. 27 No. 2) with detailed advice on style, tempo, pedalling, fingering, practice method and technique - especially on how to avoid tension when... Read >>

Beethoven - Sonata No. 8 in C Minor ("Pathétique") (Op. 13)

(Op. 13)

If you have ever struggled with Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata, this series of 11 videos is designed to help you solve some of the main technical and interpretative problems the work poses so that you will be better able to bring out the drama and intensity of the music as you... Read >>

Beethoven - Sonata No. 4 in E-Flat Major (Op. 7)

(Op. 7)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s fourth sonata in E-flat major, Op. 7. In these eighteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the four movements.... Read >>

Beethoven on Board

Our Beethoven on Board project is an extensive undertaking in which we will be creating detailed video-walkthroughs for each of Beethoven's 32 piano sonatas. Presented by pianist Masayuki Tayama, the series is being filmed on board The Piano Boat which offers a new way of bringing classical music to audiences in and around London, surrounded by the intrigue and beauty of the canals. Videos exploring background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for the following works are available to date with more to follow in due course: Sonata in F Minor, Op. 2 No.... Read >>

Beethoven - Für Elise (Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, WoO 59)

Le petit âne blanc (The Little White Donkey) is the second piece from Jacquest Ibert’s set of ten pieces entitled Histoires (1922). In the key of F sharp major, it paints a vivid picture of a day in the life of a donkey, and requires plenty of imagination to play it with the colour and vibrancy it requires. I have selected two Q-spots that will need your careful attention: Bars 20 – downbeat 25 Bars 25-29 Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources... Read >>