Taught by renowned pianist
John O'Conor
Join famed Beethoven interpreter John O’Conor for a wide-ranging interview about perhaps the most famous composer in the world, celebrating Beethoven’s 250th birthday in December 2020.<br><br>O'Conor takes a close look at who Beethoven really was: the man and the music, both the composer’s arrogant, fiercely independent personality and his gift of genius to the world. This vivid and lively sketch of Beethoven’s personality is necessary to really understand his pathbreaking music: Beethoven’s musical innovations are inextricably linked with his outlook on life.<br><br>Beethoven lived during the time of the French Revolution and later the Napoleonic Wars, and the ramifications of these world-historical events had a real impact on his compositions. Beethoven also had a great deal of personal struggle — not only his premature deafness, but deep issues related to love and family.<br><br>Knowing this history is a key to play the music of great composers with true understanding, and O’Conor also believes it is essential to know their other works: the lieder of Schubert and Schumann; Beethoven’s string quartets, trios, and symphonies. O’Conor speaks from experience, having spent his early years playing a great deal of chamber and vocal music — including entire operas!<br><br>This interview also includes an engaging overview of Beethoven’s piano sonatas, showing the shifts in style and personality from the beginning to the end of his life, as well as charming anecdotes about O’Conor’s life and studies. The lesson closes with a classic Irish limerick.
John O'Conor: 250 Years of Beethoven
Join famed Beethoven interpreter John O’Conor for an in-depth lesson on one of the greatest sonatas ever written: the mighty “Appassionata.” In this video, O’Conor shares his insights for every bar of the dramatic first movement.
He introduces this sonata as one of Beethoven’s personal favorites, and often relates the musical content to the composer’s personality and personal struggles.
Throughout the lesson, O’Conor brings close attention to the beauty and variety of the harmony, finds meaning in expressive indications, shares tips for reliable and powerful fingering as well as redistribution between the hands (even in trills!), sheds light on the taut rhythmic framework, and attends to Beethoven’s long and coloristic pedal markings. Most importantly, every detail helps communicate the drama of this work and empowers you to find an interpretation and a narrative that you find meaningful.
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Unlock Course →Irish pianist John O'Conor's unanimous 1st Prize at the International Beethoven Piano Competition in Vienna in 1973 opened the door to a critically acclaimed career as an international soloist, recording artist, and sought-after teacher.
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