Assistant Professor of Music, Piano Literature
The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart
What You'll Learn
- Understand how sonata form works and where it came from.
- Analyze the early history of the piano sonata.
- Differentiate between Baroque, Galant, and Classical styles.
4 Modules
8 Hours
2 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart
In this course, you’ll be introduced to sonata form; how it works, where it came from, and how sonatas are put together as multi-movement compositions. We will analyze the early history of the piano sonata and discover the important early masters of this style (Scarlatti, CPE Bach, Haydn, and Mozart). You’ll then investigate the relationship between the keyboard instruments of the time and the musical style, and be able to differentiate between Baroque, Galant, and Classical styles.
This course was filmed at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, among other locations, to showcase the depth of the sonata repertoire and the instruments that contributed to its history.
Skills You'll Gain
- Music History
- Music Theory
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to The Piano Sonata: Origins to Mozart, part of the Exploring Piano Literature series. Learners explore the origins of sonata form, early keyboard instruments, and stylistic developments leading to Mozart’s mature works.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Setting the Stage
- Video: Course Introduction: Setting the Stage
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Discussion Prompt: Introduce Yourself
- Reading: Help Us Learn More About You
- Video: Sonata Characteristics & Composers
- Video: Sonata Form: Principles, Origins, Processes, and Theorists
- Video: Sonata Form Overview
- Video: Movement Architecture
- Graded: Sonata Form & Movement Architecture
Module 2: Dawn of the Sonata
- Reading: Introduction: Origins and Centers of Influence
- Reading: Keyboard Instruments: Harpsichord & Clavichord
- Video: Keyboard Instruments: Harpsichord
- Video: Keyboard Instruments: Clavichord
- Reading: Keyboard Instruments: Early Pianos – Cristofori design
- Video: Keyboard Instruments: Early Pianos – Square
- Reading: Early Italian Sonata Composers and Galant Style
- Reading: Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
- Video: Instrumentation for Domenico Scarlatti
- Video: A Look at Scarlatti Sonatas
- Reading: Domenico Scarlatti Sonata K. 253 in E-flat
- Reading: Other Iberian Composers
- Reading: Carl Philipp Emanuel (CPE) Bach (1714-1788)
- Video: Two Early B-flat Sonatas by CPE Bach
- Video: Johann Christian (JC) Bach (1735-1782)
- Discussion Prompt: Musical Features & Keyboards
- Graded: Keyboards & Early Italian Composers
- Graded: Scarlatti, Iberian Composers, and Sons of Bach Quiz
Module 3: Viennese Classics: Haydn and Mozart
- Reading: Social Context and Purpose
- Video: Early Viennese Piano
- Video: English Grand Piano
- Reading: Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
- Video: Haydn's Sonata in F Major, Hob. XVI/23
- Video: Haydn's Sonata in C Major, Hob. XVI/48
- Video: Haydn's Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI/52
- Graded Assignment: Social Context & Purpose and Haydn’s Sonatas
- Reading: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
- Video: Mozart's Sonata in F major, K. 332
- Video: Mozart's Sonata in D major, K. 311
- Video: Mozart's Sonata in C minor, K. 457
- Reading: Haydn and Mozart: Chronology
- Reading: Two Great Sonatas from 1789: Introduction
- Video: Two Great Sonatas From 1789: First Movements
- Video: Two Great Sonatas From 1789: Second Movements
- Video: Two Great Sonatas From 1789: Finales
- Discussion Prompt: Social Conditions & Creative Potential
- Discussion Prompt: Discussion about Sonata
Module 4: Conclusion and Optional Honors Project
- Reading: Post-Course Survey
- Reading: Honors Lesson: Score Analysis
- Reading: Formal Analysis: Mozart's Sonata K. 284 in D Major, Movement I
- Reading: Formal Analysis: Answer Key
- Discussion Prompt: Formal Analysis Discussion: Mozart's Sonata K. 284 in D Major, Movement I
- Graded: Honors Lesson Commitment
Grading Policy
Learners complete three graded quizzes, with each being worth 33.3% of their final grade. There are also optional Honors Lessons that are ungraded.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Intermediate Level
Some related experience required
Course Video
What Learners Are Saying
This course series offers a unique opportunity for music lovers who want to gain a better understanding of piano sonata literature and for music students who want to refine their knowledge. All learners will have an opportunity to study music from many different angles…
Matthew Bengtson Assistant Professor of Music, Piano Literature
