Overview
Students at the MS level will follow a schedule that includes the study of Music Theory on Mondays and study of Musicology on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Students can expect to be working as a class for at least 45 minutes each of these days, and can plan on practice time during the remainder of the piano class period. Students are expected to be practicing and on task during these individual practice periods. Fridays will be reserved for student presentations or other activities.
Two of the most important German composers during the 19th Century were Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms. The most prominent exponents of conservative German Romanticism, they used aspects of classicism in their musical styles. Both composers had interesting lives and are prominently featured in today's modern concert literature. Additionally, we will discuss Clara Schumann, her compostion, and her influence on both of these composers.
Week 1
Romanticism
Characteristics of Romanticism, parallels in visual art and writing
The Life and Music of Robert Schumann
Biographical information, compositional style, Clara's influence and sonata form
Week 2
Early music of Schumann, Kinderszenen and Carnaval, Davidsbundler and the Philistines, Florestan and Eusebius and The Neue Zeitschrift, critical writing
Week 3
Piano Concerto, Symphonic Etudes, The later music of Schumann and the insanity years, classical influence on later compsitions.
**Quiz over Robert Schumann**
Week 4
The Life and Music of Johannes Brahms
Biographical information, relationship with the Schumann's, relationship with Clara after Robert's death, shorter pieces, Waltzes
Week 5
Review of Sonata form and its use in the Romantic Period
**Quiz over Brahms and Sonata Form**
Week 6
The Life and Music of Clara Schumann
Robert's influence on her compositional style, Clara's career as a concert pianist.
**Quiz over Clara Schumann**
Week 7 and 8
Preparation for Juries and Recitals
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