Saturday 2 March 2024
The Classical Period, chiefly represented by the Viennese masters, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven, refers to the music of the late 18th and early 19th centuries (approximately 1750 – 1820). During this period, the harpsichord gave way to the piano which evolved rapidly from its early beginnings.
When we approach Classical Period piano music, we need to do so not through the 19th century eyes and ears we inherited from our teachers, but with an understanding of how to read a score from the period. What do composers mean by the short slurs and articulation marks? How do we interpret the ornament signs and symbols, and how might we add our own embellishments tastefully?
In this workshop series, Graham Fitch will look at these topics, along with pedalling, dynamics, choice of tempo and more! There will also be an opportunities for questions throughout the sessions and at the end of the day.
Sessions & format
This workshop will run from 11:00am to approximately 16:00 GMT and will be divided up into several sessions with short breaks in-between (please note that end times for each session are approximate):
Session 1: Introduction: A Brief Overview of Classical Style and Topics Covered (11:00 – 11:30)
Session 2: Articulation, Touch, Dynamics and Phrasing 1 (11:30 – 13:30)
LUNCH BREAK
Session 3: Ornamentation and Embellishment (14:00 – 14:45)
Session 4: Pedalling (14:45 – 15:30)
Session 5: Q&A (15:30 – 16:00)
Ticket options
If you missed this event you can still purchase access to watch the high-quality recordings here (Tickets for the full day cost £80 or £48 for Online Academy subscribers).
How it works
These workshops are streamed live from our studios via Zoom and all ticketholders will receive high quality recordings afterwards. Therefore if you cannot join us for any of the sessions, you can watch them at your convenience at a later stage.
A list of repertoire from which examples featured in the workshop will be drawn will be sent in advance of the event with links to open domain scores. Composers featured include Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven and Schubert. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the pieces during the sessions.