Musical interpretation and performance

What is the course about?

This aspect of music, how the personality performing the music affects audiences’ reception is often ignored in music appreciation. Here elements left to the discretion of the interpreter of music, various problems with interpretation and elements that can potentially be used to discuss particular performances rather than actual musical material are explored.

What will we cover?

- By delineating and defining various elements and exploring some of the great personalities of classical musical performance of the past and present, students will learn to more precisely define what criteria can be used to describe performance, as well as to further develop their musical tastes.
- Repertoire discussed will include excerpts of the classical Sonatas of Beethoven and Mozart, various works by Bach, Wagner, Chopin, Mahler and others
- Musical personalities discussed will include Glenn Gould, Arthur Rubinstein, Sviatoslav Richter, Leonard Bernstein, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Arturo Toscanini, Ignaz Friedmann, Nikolaus Harnoncourt and many others
- This course will also briefly look into the ‘period’ instruments trend.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- understand by which criteria performances/performers can be judged
- able to distinguish different performances/performers, and classify them according to personal taste
- understand and appreciate the role of musicians
- garner an understanding of the history of the development of performances practices.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is an in-depth topic: it assumes a broad familiarity in listening to this genre of music. There may be a focus on lecture style classes and specialist musical terminology, as well as homework tasks and /or reading lists for future reference.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

You will be taught using a range of techniques including short lectures, slide shows and discussions, practical demonstrations on the piano and guided listening and watching sessions. Courses use a variety of materials including YouTube clips. Links to these are provided so that further exploration may take place between classes if you wish. Occasional short preparation tasks, such as listening to a piece, watching a film clip, or reading about a performer may be set from time to time. Listening and reading outside class is encouraged and further online resources will be available via Google Classroom.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Please bring a notebook and pen.
You may wish to buy some of the music or books recommended in class.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.