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tonebase Piano Course

5 Little Epiphanies at the Piano

Taught by renowned pianist

Marc-André Hamelin

A titan of the piano known for scaling the longest and most challenging works, Marc-André Hamelin was once a student struggling to achieve finger independence in a Bach Sinfonia. In this collection of videos, Hamelin reflects on revelations he’s had at the keyboard throughout his piano life that have piqued his curiosity and made him into a multifaceted maverick. Features commentary and performances of the music of JS Bach, CPE Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, and Hamelin himself.

  • checkmark icon
    Category: 
    Repertoire,Skills
  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    All-Levels
  • checkmark icon
    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour

Course Syllabus

Bach's Polyphony

Marc-André Hamelin reflects on his childhood teacher Yvonne Hubert, who first opened his eyes to the wonders of keyboard polyphony in Bach’s D minor Sinfonia.

Beethoven’s Drama

Marc-André Hamelin remembers a particularly memorable lesson on Beethoven’s Sonata in F major op. 10 no. 2 with Russell Sherman, whose choice metaphor infused a seemingly banal passage with meaning.

The Audacity of CPE Bach

The music of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach has been overshadowed by the world-historic brilliance of his father’s oeuvre. In this video, Marc-André Hamelin talks about his recent awakening to the music of CPE Bach, featuring performances of La Complaisante (a piece “amateurs should flock to”) and the Rondo in C minor (an example of the composer’s “audacity”).

An Old Friend: Debussy’s Reflets dan l’eau

Join Marc-André Hamelin as he wades through the comforting waters of Debussy’s Reflets dans l’eau, a piece he’s known intimately for decades. Features a full performance.

Marc-André Hamelin’s Toccata

Marc-André Hamelin discusses and performs his Toccata for piano, commissioned for the 2017 Van Cliburn Competition.

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Marc-André Hamelin
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Marc-André Hamelin

Pianist Marc-André Hamelin is known worldwide for his unrivaled blend of consummate musicianship and brilliant technique.

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Marc-André Hamelin
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