Piano Mastery Unlocked
Welcome to Piano Mastery Unlocked, hosted by internationally-renowned concert pianist Ronald Hawkins. With performances that have enchanted audiences from New York to Moscow, Ronald brings his unique charm and humor to each episode. Explore a diverse range of musical styles, from classical masterpieces to contemporary hits, as Ronald shares insights from his remarkable career. This podcast transforms the concert experience into an engaging dialogue, making classical music accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Join Ronald on this journey of musical discovery, where each episode invites you to unlock your own passion for the piano!
Episodes
15 episodes
The Magic of Danny Boy
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, Ronald Hawkins explores the timeless beauty of Danny Boy. He discusses its origins from Londonderry Air and how Frederic Weatherly’s lyrics gave it a poignant, universal mess...
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8:06
Memories: A Deep Dive into Elvis Presley's Iconic Ballad
This podcast episode "Memories: A Deep Dive into Elvis Presley's Iconic Ballad" explores the song "Memories" by Elvis Presley. It includes an introduction by host Ronald Hawkins, a background on the song's creation and significance in Elvis' ca...
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4:24
Enya's "Watermark" - A Solo Piano Journey
This podcast episode explores Enya's solo piano piece "Watermark," highlighting its background, musical structure, emotional impact, and performance tips. Enya, an Irish musician known for blending Celtic influences with modern sounds, created ...
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7:17
We Shall Behold Him
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, host Ronald Hawkins explores the profound impact and beauty of the gospel song “We Shall Behold Him” by Dottie Rambo. The episode delves into the song’s origins, highlighting its message of ho...
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11:00
The Story and Melody of Auld Lang Syne
The podcast explores the history and cultural significance of Auld Lang Syne. It begins by tracing its origins to 18th-century Scotland, highlighting Robert Burns' role in preserving the lyrics and pairing them with a traditional melod...
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4:43
Dance of the Reed-Flutes
The podcast episode explores Tchaikovsky’s Dance of the Reed-Flutes from The Nutcracker Suite. It begins by setting the context of the piece as part of the 1892 ballet, known for its whimsical, dance-like quality. The episode ...
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4:44
The Story of O Christmas Tree/O Tannenbaum
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, host Ronald Hawkins explores the history of the beloved carol O Christmas Tree. The song originated in 16th-century Germany as O Tannenbaum, celebrating the evergreen tree's ...
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5:39
The Story of Silent Night
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, host Ronald Hawkins explores the origins of Silent Night, one of the world’s most cherished Christmas carols. The story begins in 1818 in the Austrian village of Oberndorf, where the ...
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8:02
Schumann’s Träumerei: Capturing the Dreamlike Essence
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, Ronald Hawkins explores Robert Schumann’s Träumerei from Kinderszenen, Op. 15, one of the most poetic and cherished pieces in the piano repertoire. Ronald begins by discussin...
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10:15
Beethoven’s Für Elise: Decoding the Mystery and Mastering the Music
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, Ronald Hawkins explores Beethoven’s beloved Für Elise, offering listeners a deeper understanding of its history, structure, and performance nuances. Ronald begins by unraveling the mystery beh...
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8:51
Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith: Crafting Elegance and Virtuosity
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, concert pianist Ronald Hawkins delves into Handel’s The Harmonious Blacksmith from Suite No. 5 in E Major, exploring its structure, style, and the technical skills needed to perform i...
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10:39
Clementi’s Sonatina in C Major: Mastering the Classical Style
In this episode of Piano Mastery Unlocked, concert pianist Ronald Hawkins explores the first movement of Clementi’s Sonatina in C Major, Op. 36, No. 1. Ronald begins by highlighting the sonatina’s importance as a foundational ...
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8:10