Lectures

 

1. The history of the piano, its tuning and regulation

I have given this extended lecture many times, including twice at the Stockholm Conservatory. It could last up to 4 hours as it includes extensive examples of the sound of historic instruments: the very first piano of Cristofori, Mozart's, Beethoven's, Chopin's, Liszt's pianos and some unusual instruments. I have gathered much material to compare. Also included is an ever-popular collection of hilarious recording slip-ups and blunders.

 

 

On the History of the piano, its tuning and regulation page you can peruse a sample of these lecture notes.

 

2. The Ideal listener

A lecture involving the material at hand at the listening pages and many practical examples. The rules of music and how to improve your listening ability.

 

3. Bach and his Well-Tempered Clavier, the history of the well-tempered tuning.

You will find further information on the pages of Bach and his interpretation of the Well-Tempered tuning. I have gathered much recorded material to make illustrative comparisons.

 

4. What to record and why. The acoustics of rooms and concert halls and in what way it will affect any recording or performance given in the hall.

This lecture includes many live concert examples on, for example, how the first and late reflexes change the sound of any recording. This lecture also examines different miking methods and mike characteristics, and is illustrated with live concert examples.

 

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Although it is possible to serve extracts from these topics in combination, in single lectures, I have discovered that the material becomes hard to digest for the audience. It's usually better to give a 2 hour lecture on one topic alone.

 

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A modern Bechstein Grand Piano is compared to Mozart's own piano made in 1773 by Anton Walter.

 

Some unusual instruments:

       

 

 

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