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Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata

Taught by legendary pianist Seymour Bernstein

Plunge into the depths of an iconic piece. Unveil the emotional nuances and intricacies that make it so profoundly moving, and bring those qualities to the surface as you play.

Illuminate the beauty of Beethoven's masterpiece.

From mournful melodies to poignant progressions, the first movement of the Moonlight Sonata remains a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, captivating both pianist and listener. As you play, how can you do justice to this carefully woven musical tapestry?

Let master pianist and pedagogue Seymour Bernstein take you on that journey in this exclusive 2-part course. Guided by his profound historical knowledge and intricate reading of the score, you’ll see exactly how to put together your own stirring rendition — and you’ll never play it the same way again.

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    Dive into the human context of the piece, and understand the tragic undertones and expressive possibilities Beethoven built into the music.
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    Zoom in on dynamics and phrasing, unearthing treasures in the Sonata you can immediately use to play with freshness and raw emotion.
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    Discover a universe of piano technique and musicianship — and refine your rhythm, touch, and tone for a more vital approach to repertoire.
meet YOUR INSTRUCTOR

Seymour Bernstein

Seymour Bernstein’s reputation precedes him in the world of piano — and his legacy of inspired performance and pedagogy continues to make a mark on new generations of pianists.

Bernstein began teaching at just the age of 15. Gaining early recognition as a performer, he won the Griffith Artist Award at 17. His service in the Korean War saw him playing concerts at the front and for military officials, fueling his passion to share music more broadly.

In 1969, he premiered Concerto No. 2 by Villa-Lobos with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. His accolades include the First Prize and Prix Jacques Durand at Fontainebleau, a Beebe Foundation grant, two Martha Baird Rockefeller grants, and four State Department grants.

Bernstein is a prolific author, having written the influential books With Your Own Two Hands and 20 Lessons in Keyboard Choreography. The 2014 documentary Seymour: An Introduction, directed by Ethan Hawke, introduced Bernstein to a broad audience and highlights his views on music, education, and life. Bernstein holds a teaching post at New York University, and in 2004, Shenandoah University granted him an honorary doctorate.

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