Tag: Pedagogy
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La Terrasse des audiences du clair de lune
This is one of Claude Debussy’s most evocative Preludes, one of the last composed in December, 1912. It was inspired by an article in Le Temps which described the coronation of King George the V as emperor of India. It is Debussy’s answer to Wagernism, Twelve-tone harmony, and the logical completion of tonality that Brahms…
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How do I learn a new piece?
This week I introduce the idea of reading and learning piano music. How do we approach a piece of music, how do we read the symbols known as notes? Next Monday, August 10th at 7PM, I am starting a Zoom meeting where we students, teachers, and music aficionados alike can discuss topics relating to playing…
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Für Alina: Arvo Pärt
Dr. Tobin first encountered this Estonian composer while on tour in Europe. Known for his vocal works, Pärt has also written the beautiful Fratres for violin and piano and a set of piano pieces, including Für Alina. Dr. Tobin discusses how to approach this work of tone painting and concludes with a performance at Kulturplatz,…
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Rachmaninoff via Pollack
Dr. Tobin discusses ideas Daniel Pollack imparted for the iconic Rachmaninoff Prelude in g# minor, Opus 32#12. Finger and hand technique based on the score and emotion are explored. The discussion ends with a performance on the piece from Davos, Switzerland.
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Ondine
Based on a story by Baron Friedrich de la Motte Foch, Ondine recalls the mythical half-mermaid creatures “Undine’s” and Debussy’s interest in the supernatural and fairy tales. Dr. Tobin refers to his thesis about Debussy Preludes where he mentions Ondine, it can be downloaded as a PDF. Dr. Tobin ends the discussion with a performance…
Adam's Music House 