In this lesson, Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker guides you through the first movement of Grieg's iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16. The work has been a crowd favorite and a staple of symphony programming for over a century, Parker explains, yet its virtuosity and grand piano writing is more approachable than that of Tchaikovsky or Rachmaninoff.

Having performed the works countless dozens of times, Parker shares special insights he's gained from his experienc collaborating with different conductors and orchestras. While few are lucky enough to not only master the piece and perform with orcehstra, Parker shows how thinking in terms of the full score can help anybody clarify and simplify the interpretive demands of the solo part.

Equipped with an arsenal of technical advice and practice tips for every passage, tricks for memorization, and a rich understanding of the work's history, Parker delivers a comprehensive workshop on this first movement that will inspire you to tackle its challenges head on—not least the monumental cadenza.

In this lesson, Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker guides you through the second movement of Grieg's iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16.

A tranquil pause between the thrilling drama and passionate lyricism of the outer movements, Parker shows you how to approach this "jewel" of a movement technically, musically, and collaboratively. The colors and moods Grieg explores in the solo part require a sensitive ear and a variety of touches. Parker draws your attention to the orchestration, encouraging you to shape the embellishments in a way that accomodates the whole ensemble.Parker is filled with practical advice on executing the work—pedaling, timing, fingering, hand position, sound production, dynamics, memory, etc—without every losing site of the ultimate artistic goal of delivering an inspired performance. This lesson will motivate you to spend hours polishing this gem of a piece.

In this lesson, Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker guides you through the third movement of Grieg's iconic Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16.

After demonstrating the best hand position and fingering for the opening flourish, Parker dives into the mechanics and musical considerations of the raucous dance theme. Much of Parker's practical advice is geared towards how to orient yourself physically to capture the work's folksy spirit with ease and to communicate phrases clearly to both conductor and audience alike.

Parker makes his way through the entire movement, leaving no passage untouched, pinpointing the challenges and mapping out solutions to each. The lesson is punctuated with references to the work's historical origins and development, from Franz Liszt's famous endorsement of the concerto to Percy Grainger's astute (and Grieg-approved) revisions. Not only will the lesson facilitate and elevate your practicing of the movement, but educate and enlighten you on the work's historical significance and aesthetic value.