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tonebase Piano Course

Boris Berman "Technique of the Soul" Interview

Taught by renowned instructor

Boris Berman

Join the esteemed pianist, author, and distinguished Yale Professor of Music Boris Berman in a one-on-one conversation with tonebase Head of Piano, Ben Laude, on the craft of piano playing and the secrets of cultivating artistry – what Berman calls "technique of the soul."<br><br>The discussion begins biographically, as Berman recounts his experience with nonstandard repertoire, both new and old. He relates the pianistic insights he gained from studying the harpsichord and working with singers and instrumentalists.<br><br>The second half of the interview is dedicated to the art of interpretation, and the "soul technique" pianists must develop on top of their mechanical technique. For Berman, the composer's intentions always come first, but they are never readily apparent. One must approach the score like a detective, searching for clues. Each pianist's investigation will unearth different clues, leading to different perspectives on the same piece, which – for Berman – is part of the beauty and fascination of the art form.

  • checkmark icon
    Difficulty: 
    All-Levels
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    Duration: 
    1
     hours
     hour
All courses on tonebase include subtitles in English and Spanish

Course Syllabus

Boris Berman "Technique of the Soul" Interview

Join the esteemed pianist, author, and distinguished Yale Professor of Music Boris Berman in a one-on-one conversation with tonebase Head of Piano, Ben Laude, on the craft of piano playing and the secrets of cultivating artistry – what Berman calls "technique of the soul."

The discussion begins biographically, as Berman recounts his experience with nonstandard repertoire, both new and old. He relates the pianistic insights he gained from studying the harpsichord and working with singers and instrumentalists.

The second half of the interview is dedicated to the art of interpretation, and the "soul technique" pianists must develop on top of their mechanical technique. For Berman, the composer's intentions always come first, but they are never readily apparent. One must approach the score like a detective, searching for clues. Each pianist's investigation will unearth different clues, leading to different perspectives on the same piece, which – for Berman – is part of the beauty and fascination of the art form.

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Boris Berman
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Boris Berman

Head of the piano department at Yale University, Boris Berman has over several decades established himself as a performer, teacher, and author of the highest international standing.

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Boris Berman

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