Course Syllabus

1. Gemächlich, leicht bewegt

Tim Hagen introduces Hindemith’s Acht Stücke by providing context on the composer’s life and works, followed by an in-depth exploration of the first movement, Gemächlich, leicht bewegt.

2. Scherzando

In this lesson, Tim Hagen delves into the Scherzando movement, offering technical strategies and effective practice techniques for mastering its dramatic dynamic shifts.

3. Sehr langsam, frei im Zeitmaß

Tim Hagen shares insights and practice strategies for approaching Sehr langsam, frei im Zeitmaß, the third piece in the set, emphasizing its unique character and expression.

4. Gemächlich

Tim Hagen guides us through Gemächlich, a movement he describes as a child-like adventure, offering structured interpretation and exercises to master the dynamic nuances.

5. Sehr lebhaft

Tim Hagen leads us through the lively, dance-like fifth piece, Sehr lebhaft, providing strategies to enhance the musical rhythmic pulse and properly execute Hindemith’s written inflections.

6. Lied, leicht bewegt

Tim Hagen focuses on the singing quality of the sixth movement, offering exercises for smooth legato playing and effective vibrato use to enhance phrasing.

7. Rezitativ

Tim Hagen explains the recitative movement, breaking down the phrasing and offering exercises to explore the freedom Hindemith’s composition allows, making sense of this otherwise elusive piece.

8. Finale

Tim Hagen concludes with the Finale movement, providing practice strategies for technical passages and highlighting the specific markings and inflections that give this movement its distinctive flair.