740-315 Romantic Piano Music

Students will develop an understanding of the style of important composers, and a knowledge of the principal aesthetic concerns involved in the performance of their music. Students will also comment on editorial shortcomings in many publications, and be able to comment critically and intelligently on performances of relevant works. Topics include a survey of selected works of the Romantic piano literature, concentrating on questions of style. Aspects of performance practice of the period will also be addressed.

On completion of the subject students should be able to • identify and articulate the major qualities of romantic piano repertoire • evaluate the artistic genesis and evolution of romantic piano music • apply critical understanding to the interaction of repertoire, performer and instrumental evolution.

Mid-semester written assignment of 2000 words (50%); end-of-semester aural identification test (10%); three-hour end-of-semester written examination (40%).