Beethoven, Bartók and the string quartet
Course
In London
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Working Men's College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
School of Arts - City Uni. London
Bachelor's degree London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
Nat Yerlverton Music Tuition
Private lessons Inhouse£ 30 VAT inc. -
King’s College London
Master London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-based£ 164 -
Working Men's College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-basedPrice on request
Description
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Type
Course
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Location
London
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Start date
Different dates available
The string quartet was a central genre of classical music for over a century, from the early works of Mozart and Haydn in the late 1700s to the music of Shostakovich and others in the 1900s. Among the many composers who worked in the quartet medium, Beethoven and Bartók stand out as pioneers and innovators, finding new ways to build themes, construct patterns of movements, and bring energy, emotion and unity to their pieces. We will examine Bartók’s six quartets, composed over the course of his career, and parallel these with Beethoven’s – including tracing the profound influence that Beethoven’s late quartets had on Bartók’s own experiments in form and design. Tutor: Dr Katy Hamilton [external website].
Facilities
Location
Start date
Start date
About this course
- List the components of a Classical string quartet (movements and forms)- Describe the ways in which Beethoven extends, avoids or replaces these components- Summarise Beethoven’s contribution to the quartet genre- Recognise the folk characteristics of Bartók’s compositional style- Describe some of the similarities and differences between the approaches of Beethoven and Bartók to the quartet.
All classes, learning materials and online resources are included in the price. Those who wish to continue their learning outside the classes will be offered suggestions for further reading and listening, but this is not compulsory in order to complete the course.You will need to bring paper and writing implements to take notes and participate fully in group activities. All presentation material and class handouts will also be made accessible in digital format.
Reviews
Subjects
- Music
Course programme
- General outline of the emergence and centrality of the string quartet as a musical genre
- Formal innovations in Beethoven’s quartets, and parallels with his music in other genres
- Bartók’s interest in folk material and the impact this had on his compositions
- Form and constructions used by each composers, comparing and contrasting their approaches.
Each class will involve a combination of spoken presentations from the tutor, recorded and live musical examples, and class discussion and activities. These will include tasks for pairs and small groups, whole-class discussions and individual activities. There will be some small tasks to complete between classes (usually brief reading and/or listening tasks), and all materials for these – such as video links and texts – will be made available online.
Additional information
Please see the summer-school guide for short music-appreciation courses in July & August.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00.
See the course guide for term dates and further details
Beethoven, Bartók and the string quartet
-
Working Men's College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
School of Arts - City Uni. London
Bachelor's degree London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
Nat Yerlverton Music Tuition
Private lessons Inhouse£ 30 VAT inc. -
King’s College London
Master London / Classroom-basedPrice on request -
Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-based£ 164 -
Working Men's College
Vocational qualification London / Classroom-basedPrice on request