Piano Studio of Martha K. Smith
2007-2008
As our studio continues to explore the music of other countries, this fall we journey to Vienna, Austria, where four of the world's greatest composers lived between 1780 and 1830, creating what we know as classical music. Like classical architecture, the music of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, and Schubert is characterized by beautiful proportions, consistently good taste, and lasting excellence.
The Pantheon, built in Rome during the first century of our era, is an example of classical architecture that continues to inspire buildings we see, such as the National Archives in Washington, D.C.
In the same way, playing the classical music of the Viennese composers provides beauty and elegance in our lives and inspires our creativity. We will begin our study of Austrian Music by learning a simple folk song and finding out how it was transformed by Mozart. Later we'll find out more about the culture of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the composers who thrived there. You are invited to begin listening now to recordings of their great music:
Haydn, Symphony No. 104 or any of his String Quartets or Piano Sonatas
Mozart, Symphony No. 40, The Requiem, Marriage of Figaro (opera), Clarinet Concerto, or any of his Piano Concertos or Sonatas.
Beethoven, Symphony No. 3 or No. 7, Violin Concerto, or any of his five Piano Concertos or 32 Piano Sonatas
Schubert, Moments Musicaux, Lieder, Piano Sonatas, Impromptus, or Waltzes