Time Schedule:
George S Bozarth
MUHST 508
Seattle Campus
Prerequisite: MUHST 500.
Class description
The Early Piano and its Music, 1700–1830
Journey back to a time when "a piano was not a piano, was not a piano," when the piano was a brand new instrument and builders in Italy, Spain, Germany, England, and Austria were intent upon applying to it their own innovations. In the process, a whole new style of keyboard composition emerged, influence by and in turn influencing how pianos were designed. The seminar will focus on this productive interrelationship.
Repertory considered will include piano and chamber music, art songs, and concertos. Pianists will find out how easy Beethoven really is to play, singers will love the robust support these pianos give without ever drowning them out. The keyboard instruments available for study by this seminar include replicas of a 1790s clavichord (Haydn's favorite) and Viennese concert grand pianos from 1795, 1805, and 1815, and an original 1815 Broadwood square piano.
The initial class meeting will be held at the UW, the remaining sessions amidst the early keyboard collection of Prof. Bozarth housed on Queen Anne Hill. Carpooling will be available for students without their own cars.
This is truly a "hands-on" seminar. All students will have their own private rehearsal times with the keyboard instruments to develop their seminar reports.
Since this is my most popular seminar and always fills up (max. 12 students), it is wise to register early. When requesting an add code, please tell me a little about your musical background and reasons for taking this seminar.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Seminar, including hands-on (literally!) exposure to a group of early pianos from Vienna and London; illustrated lectures, seminar discussions, and student reports.
Recommended preparation
MUSIC 500
Class assignments and grading
Reviews, seminar reports; written and spoken presentations
