Beethoven occupies a position in the public mind similar perhaps to that of Shakespeare, a musician who exemplifies what a composer should be as Shakespeare exemplifies writer should be. This weekend will explore his uniqueness and in particular how he inherited the musical language of his great predecessors, Mozart and Haydn. Also of great interest is his development from his early to his late works which was partly fashioned by an increasing and relentless loss of hearing. It is fascinating to experience the transcendental nature of the late works and to ask how much his deafness influenced their very special nature. Above all, as with all my courses it is the musical language that is of most concern and it is particularly notable that Beethoven pushes things to their limits without completely destroying their disciplined, classical (in terms of period) foundations.

The recital on the Saturday evening will be an illustrated lecture on two of the piano sonatas, one from his first period and one from his last years. The West Dean Trio, Marina Solarek (Violon), Kim Mackrell (Cello) and Roy Stratford (Piano) will be playing Piano trios by Beethoven, Op.1/3 in C minor and Op.70/2 in D major ("Ghost").

Included

A ticket for the recital on Saturday evening

What students need to bring

A notebook and pen if you wish

Available to buy

A variety of art and craft materials are available to buy in the shop.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

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