Unfolding of a Narrative: Piano Music of Romantic Era Inspired by Novels and Poems

Participants will learn about the inspiration and the background associated with three compositions for the piano from the Romantic Era: Papillons by Robert Schumann (1831), Sonetto 104 del Petrarca by Franz Liszt (1859), and Ballade No. 4 by Frédéric Chopin (1842). The genre of “program music,” a type of music that aims to tell an existing extra-musical story, particularly flourished during the 19th century Romantic era. The instructor will discuss, demonstrate, and highlight unique aspects that were representative of this genre through solo piano works. The course will include a live performance of these pieces by the instructor.

Registration ends May 9