Alberto Jonas’s Lecture-Recital Inspires Music Educators (1930s)

LectureRecital - Musical Courier 1932-09-10: Vol 105 Iss 11a

LectureRecital – Musical Courier 1932-09-10: Vol 105 Iss 11a

Under the auspices of the Associated Music Teachers League (AMTL), Alberto Jonas, an esteemed piano virtuoso, teacher, and pedagogue, delivered a compelling lecture-recital at the Carl Fischer Auditorium in Cooper Square, New York City. The event, held during the summer, attracted an overflow audience, with many attendees left standing—a testament to Jonas’s reputation and the relevance of his insights.

 

In his lecture, Jonas addressed the evolution of piano pedagogy, contrasting traditional methods with his innovative and direct approach, exemplified in his Master School of Modern Piano Playing and Virtuosity. Avoiding dry or overly academic tones, Jonas interwove his discussion with live piano demonstrations of Chopin etudes and Bach preludes and fugues, showcasing how he believed these works should be taught and performed. His anecdotes kept the audience engaged and in high spirits, blending humor with pedagogy.

 

The recital featured notable performances that complemented Jonas’s lecture:

Educators Lecture - Musical Courier  1932-09-10: Vol 105 Iss 11b

Educators Lecture – Musical Courier 1932-09-10: Vol 105 Iss 11b

  • Elizabeth Hipple, Jonas’s assistant, performed several of his compositions, earning enthusiastic applause and delivering an encore.
  • Mildred Gordon, a twelve-year-old pupil of Jonas, surprised the audience with her exceptional skill and poise, receiving warm accolades.
  • Jonas and Hipple concluded the event with a dazzling two-piano performance of modern compositions, demonstrating technical precision and brilliance.

This lecture-recital was part of a broader series of lectures and workshops organized by AMTL to enhance music education. The series featured prominent educators like Osbourne McConathy, Raymond Burrows, and Duncan McKenzie, who discussed creative teaching strategies, class piano instruction, and valuable cultural resources for music teachers.

These events highlighted AMTL’s commitment to equipping educators with innovative tools and fostering excellence in piano pedagogy. Alberto Jonas’s contribution stands out as an inspiring blend of artistry, pedagogy, and humor, leaving a lasting impact on those in attendance.

 

Source: Musical Courier 1932-09-10: Vol 105 Iss 11, Page 10 + 12, https://archive.org/details/sim_music-magazine-and-musical-courier_1932-09-10_105_11/page/n11/mode/2up