Exploring the Great Piano Composers Lecture Concerts

Going Behind the Notes Exploring the Great Piano Composers:
A Series of Eight Lecture Concerts

Between October 2018, and May 2019, George Fee premiered his series of eight lecture concerts at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. These unique presentations probed the essence of each composer through comprehensive and in-depth commentary on the personalities and lives of each person, the values and aesthetics of the society which influenced them, what makes their music unique and great, and what emotionally, philosophically, and spiritually lies behind the notes. The talks were complemented by performances which were frequently preceded by insights into the structure and interpretation of the music. Attendees, whether novices or experienced concertgoers, were more able to know these composers as human beings and are now able to listen to their music with more understanding.
In the fall of 2019, he began presenting a revised version of the series in Midland, Michigan. COVID interrupted the series, although it will be resumed and completed in the future.
The texts of these presentations are provided below. Readers can listen to nearly all of the works which Dr. Fee performed on YouTube.
Introduction to the Series Mozart: The Ambiguous Haydn: The True Classicist, and Some of His Predecessors Beethoven: Idealist, Liberator and Consoler Franz Schubert: Poet of the Soul Robert Schumann: Deciphering His Personal Musical Language Chopin: Poet of the Piano Franz Liszt: Spiritual Seeker Claude Debussy: Seeker of the Inexpressible Closing Remarks to the Series
Written feedback from the presentations included the following:
"I feel as if I have been at a well sumptuous feast and fed with the richest of foods. There is not a wasted word and every word carried weight and meaning and was very interesting."
"It is most rare to experience such in-depth knowledge of every aspect of a composer's life with such exquisite artistry at the keyboard. You are able to do both in such a deep and meaningful manner."
"You really brought the music and composers to life for me. I felt like I got to know these men personally."
"For superior to what I endured in music history classes - much more engaging and deeper."
"I enjoyed and grew with every presentation of this monumental project. Each of the eight was special."
"A tour de force."	"Stunning - the writing itself was music."	"You offer substance."