History of the Piano Sonata: From Baroque Origins to Mozart

Understanding the piano sonata requires looking back at the instruments and structural innovations that defined an era of musical transformation. This course provides a clear path through the development of keyboard literature, helping you recognize the shifts in style and form that shaped Western music history. You will learn to identify the structural blueprints of sonata form and the distinct characteristics of different musical periods. What you'll learn: - Define core terminology and the foundational elements of sonata-allegro form - Analyze the transition from Baroque keyboard styles to the Galant and Classical periods - Identify the unique contributions of composers like Scarlatti, CPE Bach, Haydn, and Mozart - Understand how early keyboard instruments influenced the evolution of compositional style - Apply structural analysis to multi-movement works to understand their internal logic - Recognize modern historical performance practice concepts used to interpret these works today The course begins with essential definitions and a history of early keyboard technology before moving into detailed written analysis of specific composers and their stylistic innovations. You will read through the historical context and structural breakdowns that explain why these works remain central to the piano repertoire. This course is designed for beginners, music students, or classical music enthusiasts with no prior historical knowledge required. Start your journey into the heart of Classical keyboard music today.