Composer Conversations Ludwig (...and Billy?) at the Keyboard The Piano Sonatas of Beethoven
Tom Cimarusti, Ph.D., Program Coordinator and Professor of Music History, Florida Gulf Coast University
Join Tom Cimarusti in exploring the brilliance of Beethoven’s piano sonatas — masterpieces that revolutionized music and continue to inspire audiences today, from the beloved Moonlight Sonata to the tragic Pathétique Sonata. Discover the emotional depth, technical innovation and artistic evolution behind these iconic works, from early classical influences to bold, boundary-breaking compositions. And who knows... a strong admirer of Beethoven may show up for a performance of one of his most sublime works!
A native of Los Angeles, Tom Cimarusti received his Ph.D. at Florida State University and is currently a professor of music history at Florida Gulf Coast University. Although his primary research interests include 18th- and 19th-century Italian opera and song, chamber music and the music of communal utopias, he also lectures on world music and is an avid accordionist. He has presented his research at conferences in Europe, Asia and the United States. He is currently working on an edition of hymns associated with the late 19th-century religious cult, the Koreshan Unity. He has been the recipient of numerous research grants and excellence-in-teaching awards. In 2016, he founded the Center for Public Musicology, an organization that provides lectures, demonstrations and performances at venues throughout Southwest Florida. He lives in Naples with his wife, Christy, and two boys, Paul and Christopher.
Enrich your experience of the arts by joining Friends of Artis—Naples and/or Leadership Circle. You’ll enjoy private previews of new exhibitions, invitations to exclusive social events, discounts and more.
Artis—Naples is Southwest Florida’s leading cultural resource, thanks to the generous support of loyal donors like you. Help us continue to provide art and educational opportunities for all ages.
Whether you’re enjoying our cultural campus during our free Community Days, making new friends in a Lifelong Learning class, or attending an off-campus music performance, we hope to see you soon.