Barbara continues her journey to introduce us to the joyful and magical world of music with the second series of ten more programs. Once again, she takes us "behind the notes" and invites us into her music studio to meet her composer "friends" and shares with us her passion for their music. This second series features great music performed and discussed by a master pianist. This is entertainment for the entire family to enjoy, Barbara is able to bring these composers to life and make their music relevant to all of us. She connects the music directly to the heart. All we have to do is listen to feel the magic. For the first-time listener or the experienced music-lover, this series is a wonderful introduction to the world of composers and the greatness of their music.

What will you learn in this course?

The first program of this series is offered as a free preview.

• Program No. 1 The Waldstein Barbara initiates the second series of “Behind the Notes” with Beethoven’s virtuosic and popular sonata that he dedicated to his good friend Count Waldstein. What a virtuoso pianist Beethoven must have been (Beethoven: Sonata No. 21 in C major Op. 53)
• Program No. 2 More Chopin Barbara continues her journey with Chopin’s beautiful piano music and introduces us to more old favorites.(Chopin: Ballade in G minor; Scherzo in C# minor; Waltz in
• Program No. 3 Bartók Barbara introduces us to another giant of the 20th century, Béla Bartók, and begins the program with his signature piece, the Allegro Barbaro followed by the lovely “Evening in Transylvania” and one of his lively Rumanian Dances. Some selections from his Mikrokosmos, a book of teaching pieces written for his young son Peter are also heard (Bulgarian Dance No. 1, From the Diary of a Fly) and Barbara concludes with a discussion and performance of his masterpiece for the piano, the Out of Doors Suite. (Bartók: Allegro Barbaro; Evening in Transylvania; Rumanian Dance No. 1; From Mikrokosmos: Bulgarian Dance No. 1, From the Diary of a Fly; Out of Doors Suite)
• Program No. 4 Beethoven: “Les Adieux Barbara shares some of the sonatas of Beethoven that she has been preparing for recording. Beethoven wrote this sonata for his good friend and patron, Archduke Rudolf. He bids him goodbye in the first movement, misses him in the second, and happily awaits his return in the final movement. You can hear the horses galloping (Beethoven: Sonata No. 26 in Eb major Op. 81a)
• Program No. 5 More Liszt This program is a celebration of the great virtuoso beginning with his familiar Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 and also includes some of his Etudes that were inspired by the great violinist Paganini as well as two of his Transcendental Studies. They were so difficult that only Liszt could play them. The beloved and popular Liebestraum, his Dream of Love is a beautiful bonus. (Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2; Liszt/Paganini Etude No. 4 in E major (excerpt), Etude No. 6; Two Transcendental Studies No. 2 in A minor, No. 12 Chaisse-Neige "The Snowstorm," and Liebestraum)
• Program No. 6 Beethoven: Sonata Op. 31 No. 3 This is one of Beethoven’s funnier sonatas, especially the first movement. Barbara shares how she arrived at her interpretation of this wonderful work. The finale is quite virtuosic and even includes some “hunting calls.” That’s why this sonata is nicknamed “The Hunt.” (Beethoven: Sonata No. 18 in Eb major Op. 31 No. 3)
• Program No. 7 More Prokofiev Barbara introduces us to more music by this giant of the 20th century and we begin with the first opus that he wrote when he was just 15 years old. Then we have some of his “Fleeting Visions” as well as his finger-breaking Toccata. There is no doubt that Prokofiev was a wonderful pianist—just listen to his Third Sonata. As encores, Barbara shares with us the Gavotte from his Classical Symphony and concludes with his famous and familiar Marche from the “Love of the Three Oranges.” (Prokofiev: Sonata No. 1 Op. 1; Visions Fugitives No.1, 2, 8, 9; Sonata No. 3; Prelude in C major Op. 12; Toccata Op. 11; Gavotte from the Classical Symphony; March from “The Love for the Three Oranges”)
• Program No. 8 Beethoven: Sonata Op. 28 “The Pastoral” One of Beethoven’s most beautiful sonatas, Barbara takes us “behind the notes” and shares how she arrived at her interpretation of this wonderful four-movement work. (Beethoven: Sonata No. 15 in D major Op. 28)
• Program No. 9 Even More Chopin We all need more Chopin in our lives and Barbara introduces us to more “comfort food” from everyone’s favorite composer. We hear the story behind his Fantasy in F minor and experience the drama of his C minor Nocturne. Barbara concludes with another favorite, his Scherzo in Bb minor. Beautiful and dramatic music to touch the heart.
  (Chopin: Fantasy in F minor; Nocturne in C minor Op. 48 No. 1; Scherzo No. 2 in Bb minor) 
• Program No. 10 Beethoven: Sonata “The Tempest” With this masterwork, Beethoven makes us imagine the storm that is brewing and introduces us to an interesting cast of characters. We can only admire the genius and the craftsmanship of this divinely gifted composer and be grateful for his legacy. He has left us music to enjoy and rediscover over a lifetime. (Beethoven: Sonata No. 17 in D minor Op. 31 No. 2)

Who should take this course?

• These programs, suitable for all ages, are a wonderful introduction to the great music of the past, and each program serves as a guide to our listening,
• Whether you are exploring classical music for the very first time or are a seasoned listener, this series is rich in content.
• It connects the composer and his music directly to our hearts. The more we listen, the more we will hear. Enjoy and experience the magic of great music.