PRINCELY PIANO CONCERTOS

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

From the genius of Mozart (no.20), that prince of concerto writers, we will survey many of the peaks of the repertoire. Mighty Beethoven (no.3), lyrical Chopin (no.1), popular Grieg, symphonic Brahms (nos.1 and 2) and famous Tchaikovsky (no.1). Ian France (Cumbria highamhall.com/ian-france) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190

FULLY BOOKED: MAHLER 5, 6 AND 7

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Mahler’s central triptych of purely orchestral symphonies offers a less fanciful, more mature and realistic approach than his early symphonies. The Fifth moves from death to life, the Sixth Mahler himself called the “Tragic” and the Seventh explores “night music”. Ian France (Cumbria highamhall.com/ian-france) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190

BRAHMS AND THE SCHUMANNS

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Johannes Brahms (1833-97) and Robert Schumann (1810-56) were 2 of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. Their lives were intertwined through the remarkable figure of Clara Schumann (1819- 96). We will explore this ‘musical threesome’ through orchestral, chamber and piano music, choral works and songs. Chris Rodwell (Lancashire highamhall.com/chris-rodwell) Residential: £270 Non-residential: £190

OVERTURES

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Traditionally, concerts always began with an overture featuring colourful orchestration and memorable melodies. Starting with Mozart and Beethoven we will examine overtures by Rossini, Mendelssohn and Weber, Verdi and Wagner, Smetana, Dvorak and other European and Russian composers, plus lighter works by Von Suppe and Nicolai. Ian will educate your ear and enrich your understanding 

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FRENCH MUSIC FROM RAMEAU TO RAVEL

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

This weekend will uncover the great wealth of French music from the Baroque (1600-1750) through to the 20th century. Composers will include Berlioz, Gounod, Saint-Saëns, Fauré and many others. We will explore a wide range of forms and genres, including symphonic music, operas and choral works, songs and piano music. Chris Rodwell (Lancashire highamhall.com/chris-rodwell) Residential: £290 

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FULLY BOOKED: GREAT OPERA SCENES BY VERDI AND PUCCINI

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

In this course we will look at two Italian composers with a passion for passion: Verdi's Rigoletto, Il Trovatore , La Traviata and Puccini's La Boheme, Tosca and Madama Butterfly all revolve around intense scenes in which high drama and high emotion are exquisitely echoed and amplified by their musical scores. Verdi’s scenes revolve around 

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NOW’S THE TIME FOR BRUCKNER

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Getting to know Bruckner’s music is a challenge many have shied away from. But as we celebrate 200 years since the Austrian composer’s birth this very week, there can be no better time to grasp the nettle. His ‘romantic’ 4th symphony and the heavenly 7th afford the easiest way into Bruckner’s complex musical legacy. Residential 

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DVOŘÁK AND JANÁČEK: 2 CZECH MASTERS

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904) and Leoš Janáček (1854- 1928) are 2 of the greatest composers to emerge from the Czech lands; from Bohemia and Moravia respectively. We will explore their contribution to classical music, from the popular orchestral and chamber works of Dvořák to the remarkable operas and choral music of Janáček. Residential £290 Non-residential £210

FULLY BOOKED: PIANO WORKSHOP

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

For up to ten players* at Grade 7 and above. In advance of this intensive, non-competitive workshop, you will prepare a 20-minute programme to be played and discussed; if possible, bring along spare copies of pieces for others. Working with John and fellow workshop participants, you will be encouraged and supported in your playing and 

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FULLY BOOKED: ELGAR: MUSIC FOR AUTUMN

Higham Hall College Bassenthwaite Lake, Cockermouth, Cumbria, United Kingdom

Elgar often looked back nostalgically, with wistful tenderness or at times with regret. For this course Ian has selected movements from Elgar’s symphonies and concertos together with his shorter orchestral pieces, chamber works and choral excerpts. This heartfelt music will enrich the autumnal journey with Elgar as our companion and guide. Ian France Residential: £305 

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