Course Syllabus
I. Allegro non troppo e molto maestoso - Allegro con spirito
Join acclaimed Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker for a lesson on one of the most popular piano concertos ever written: Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1. This video covers the epic first movement, where Parker clearly lays out the movement’s cinematic, blockbuster-like qualities.
From the famous introduction to the triumphant ending, Parker’s advice is highly practical: he presents straightforward, intuitive solutions for all the tricky passages, and never fails to single out the truly essential features of each section. For Parker, technical details of hand position, wrist angle, and psychology are closely tied to musical and coloristic matters (articulation, balance, and phrasing). His interpretation sketches out possible paths for making this movement as dramatically effective as possible.
Informed his vast performance experience, Parker also offers insider tips on how to play with orchestra or with second piano. From signaling new tempos to watching to conductor at key moments, every detail will make your interpretation more collaboratively-minded and performance-ready. Parker also contextualizes the style of this work, particularly in relation to the rest of the concerto repertoire.
Join acclaimed Canadian pianist Jon Kimura Parker for a lesson on one of the most popular piano concertos ever written: Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1. This video covers the lyrical and capricious second movement, full of heartfelt melodies, balletic interludes, and virtuoso interruptions.
Parker’s advice is highly practical: he presents ingenious, no-nonsense solutions for all the tricky passages, and calls attention to the most essential musical elements of each passage. For Parker, technical details of hand position, wrist angle, and psychology are closely tied to musical and coloristic matters (articulation, balance, and phrasing).
Informed by his vast performance experience, Parker also offers insider tips on how to play with orchestra or with second piano. From adjusting your timing to match the orchestra to watching to the conductor at key moments, every detail will make your interpretation more collaboratively-minded and performance-ready. Parker also discusses this movement in the context of the whole concerto.
III. Allegro con fuoco – Molto meno mosso – Allegro vivo
Join Canadian virtuoso Jon Kimura Parker for a lesson on one of the most popular piano concertos ever written: Tchaikovsky's Concerto No. 1. This video covers the fiery, spirited finale, full of punchy rhythmic gestures and surprising interruptions.
Parker’s advice is both technical and musical: judicious use of “completely illegal” fingerings help you play with daring and precision and lend more power to climactic moments. Specific nuances of phrasing, accentuation, and articulation enable you to breathe life into every passage.
In addition, Parker gives particular attention to rhythm: how to match the orchestral timing in all sorts of tricky transitions, set tempos, and maintain energy – all helping to drive forward this propulsive, thrilling Russian dance.
Click here to download the course workbook PDF and see the full syllabus →