Taught by renowned instructor
Seymour Bernstein
Join Seymour Bernstein and Ben Laude at Seymour’s cottage on the Atlantic Coast in Maine for three intimate lessons on popular intermediate works from the piano repertoire. Ben presents Seymour with a Bach Invention, a Mozart Fantasy, and Chopin Prelude, and invites the 96-year-old to share his wisdom on how he interprets each piece. The results are charming explorations of the expressive possibilities of the piano between friends from two different generations.
Invention No. 1 in C major
In this lesson, Seymour shares his secrets on Bach’s First Invention. Beginning with Bach’s Preface to his Two and Three-Part Inventions, Seymour cites Bach’s emphasis on cultivating a “cantabile” touch at the keyboard, and shares a schema for articulation and phrasing with Ben, who seeks to integrate them into his own interpretation.
Fantasy in D minor, K. 397
In this lesson, Seymour and Ben take a deep dive into Mozart’s D minor Fantasy. Section by section, Seymour shares his personal feelings about how to approach the piece in terms of dynamics, articulation, pedaling, texture, and timing. Through discussion and debate, Ben and Seymour reach a consensus and together formulate a compelling and original interpretation.
Prelude, Op. 28 No. 15 "Raindrop"
In this lesson, Seymour and Ben explore the ever-popular “Raindrop Prelude" of Chopin. Composed during one of the darkest moments in Chopin's life, the piece features dewdrops on its surface while darkness lurks within. In it, Seymour helps Ben achieve his most romantic side at the piano.
Matters of Life and Death
In this postlude, Seymour shares his feelings with Ben about preparing for death and reflects on the life-affirming powers of music.
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Unlock Course →An illustrious performer and now, a world-renowned pedagogue, Seymour Bernstein's incredible life is the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary "Seymour: An Introduction" directed by the actor Ethan Hawke.
read full bio →Explore 1,000+ in-depth lessons taught by GRAMMY winners, Juilliard professors, and world-renowned performers, covering everything from timeless repertoire to advanced technique and artistry.
