Beethoven

Beethoven - Sonatina in G (2nd mvt - Anh. 5 No. 1)

This walkthrough of the second movement of Beethoven’s popular Sonatina in G will help students to assimilate essential elements of the Classical style: articulation, balance, ornamentation, and clear phrasing. The series of reduced scores provides students with a step-by-step approach to learning the piece, and makes it easier for teachers... Read >>

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 - 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. 5 in C Minor (Op. 10 No. 1)

(Op. 10 No. 1)

Pianist and captain of The Piano Boat, Masayuki Tayama, gives a guided tour of Beethoven’s fifth sonata in C minor, Op. 10 No. 1. In these fourteen videos, Masa explores background, style, interpretation, technical challenges and practice methods for each of the three movements.... 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. 23 in F minor ('Appassionata')

(Op. 57)

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Appassionata Sonata, Op. 57. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... 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 >>

Beethoven - Sonatina in G (1st Mvt, Anh. 5 No. 1)

This walkthrough of the first movement of Beethoven’s popular Sonatina in G will help students to assimilate essential elements of the Classical style: articulation, balance, ornamentation, and clear phrasing. The series of reduced scores provides students with a step-by-step approach to learning the piece, and makes it easier for teachers... Read >>