Sonata Duos
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About Sonata Duos
A course for pianists, clarinettists and string players. Join pianist Stephen Gutman and violinist Hilary Sturt to explore the wonderful world of duo sonata repertoire.
What is the course about?
Participants will be asked to bring along three or more movements of duo sonatas to work on, at least two of which should be from works by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms or Poulenc. Drawing on their extensive professional experience, the tutors will offer specialist coaching. Pre-formed duos are welcome, otherwise tutors will mix and match participants according to repertoire and standards. There will also be opportunities to play trios and duets.
The evening sessions will be dedicated to sight-reading, working with different instrumentalists, and playing with the course tutors.
What will you learn?
Through the medium of duo sonatas we will explore the art of playing chamber music, what constitutes good ensemble, listening skills, stylistic interpretation, and how to develop awareness of texture and harmonic structure.
By the end of this course, you will have gained greater knowledge of and familiarity with the repertoire, deeper insights into the music you have played and experienced the joys of working and performing in close partnership with fellow musicians.
How will the course be taught?
The course will begin with an introduction given by the tutors exploring a particular sonata, and then a performance. It will be an illustration of how we interpret, problem solve, and work towards a common (or disputed!) aim, and perform. This will be very much as we will be thinking about and working on through three days with course participants. The course will continue with tutoring from Hilary and Stephen on your sonata movements, private practice in pairs, and whole group sharing and feedback sessions. There will be a non-compulsory informal concert at the end of the course. In consultation with Stephen, everyone will be able to choose their pieces in advance to give them time to prepare their parts.
Who is the course for?
Confident, Skilful.
Participants should be capable of tackling a sonata movement by Mozart or Beethoven with some facility. We will provide technical assistance, so individual parts need not be note perfect!
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
Music will not be provided. Players are asked to bring their own scores for the works discussed in advance with Stephen. Stephen can help with sourcing materials and string players are welcome to direct questions to Hilary for advice.
In general, no music in the duo repertoire is ‘too easy’ or ‘too hard’.
