MUS Talks | How does transcription work? Case study: Stravinsky's ballet Le Sacre du Printemps
Theme: How does transcription work? Case study: Stravinsky's ballet Le Sacre du Printemps
Language: English
Speaker: Prof. Jean Beers
Host: Prof. Zhuosheng Jin (CUHK-Shenzhen)
Date&Time: Apr. 15, 2025 (Tue.) 19:00
Venue: Lecture Classroom 102, Teaching Building (MUS)
Admission Free.
Visitors are requested to scan the QR code for registration.
Abstract
Join the esteemed composer and pianist Jean Beers for an in-depth lecture on the art of transcription, focusing on the intricate process of adapting Stravinsky's iconic ballet Le Sacre du Printemps (The Rite of Spring) for solo piano. This unique transcription was meticulously crafted, blending insights from orchestration, composition, piano technique, acoustics, psychology, and historical context. Drawing on years of experience and study, Jean Beers will guide the students attending through the challenges and triumphs of translating Stravinsky's groundbreaking orchestral score into a highly virtuosic piano arrangement.
Le Sacre du Printemps, which premiered in 1913 in Paris, is a landmark work in music history. Its revolutionary rhythmic structures, dissonant harmonies, and innovative orchestration caused an uproar at its first performance, famously sparking a riot. The ballet's depiction of ancient rituals is mirrored in the intensity and raw energy of the music. Stravinsky's use of irregular time signatures, shifting meters, and complex orchestral textures marked a radical departure from conventional classical music at the time.
Jean Beers's transcription draws from the profound impact Le Sacre du Printemps has had on modern music, reflecting the composer's early studies of orchestration at the specialist school for music. The transcription, comparable in complexity and difficulty to Stravinsky's own Petrushka Suite for solo piano, requires not only technical prowess but also a deep understanding of the underlying musical ideas.
This lecture offers a rare opportunity to explore the transcription process in a detailed and academic context, providing an understanding of how an orchestral masterpiece can be transformed into a piano performance while maintaining its emotional power and complex musical textures. Attendees will gain new perspectives on one of the 20th century's most influential compositions and the fascinating intersection of transcription, performance, and music theory.
About the Speaker
Jean Beers is an internationally celebrated pianist and composer, captivating audiences and shaping the future of music through her groundbreaking artistry. As a professor and head of the Department for Keyboard Instruments, Conducting and Composition at the MUK (Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna), she stands at the forefront of contemporary classical music, blending tradition with bold innovation.
Beers regularly appears as an artist and curator with innovative concert formats at the prestigious Vienna Musikverein, one of the world's most iconic concert venues, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Her performances at distinguished festivals and prominent concert halls worldwide further cement her status as a global musical force.
Highlighting her international acclaim, Beers took the stage at NCPA concert hall with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, performing her piano concerto "Nachklang" at the prestigious Beijing Modern Music Festival—an event broadcast to millions on Chinese national culture television (CCTV). Her performance received rave reviews, with critics praising her richly harmonious music that floats through clouds of sound, merging French impressionistic styles with contemporary composition techniques. Critics were equally captivated by her sensitive and virtuosic piano playing, emphasizing not only its profound emotional depth but also the exquisite nuance and refinement she brings to every phrase.
Her expertise makes her a sought-after guest in teaching, performing, and academic lectures at leading institutions across Europe, Asia, and America. Her core areas include piano concerts, Stravinsky transcription, improvisation, composition, and performance research. Beers actively fosters intercultural dialogue through her work, emphasizing the unifying power of music across cultures.
A passionate advocate for interdisciplinary exploration, Jean Beers is dedicated to bridging boundaries between disciplines, cultures, and people through curiosity, empathy, and artistic excellence.
