It is amazing that four decades after the movie’s release, people are still finding new ways of interpreting Halloween’s theme song. The original theme was created with simple piano music, however, sometimes it is simple things that really capture people’s imagination and withstand the test of time. As John Carpenter said, “Horror movies will live forever.”
Piano Piece Pick #14 - Looking to perform for a wedding, but yet you have been requested to perform something other than the standard Wedding March (Mendelssohn) and Bridal Chorus (Wagner). And you have been further instructed to avoid overused romantic pieces like Canon in D (Pachelbel), Claire de Lune (Debussy), Ave Maria (J S Bach), and Ode to Joy (Beethoven).
So, what will you perform at this wedding? I recommend "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" from Edvard Grieg. It is the last... See More
Piano Piece Pick #14 - Looking to perform for a wedding, but yet you have been requested to perform something other than the standard Wedding March (Mendelssohn) and Bridal Chorus (Wagner). And you have been further instructed to avoid overused romantic pieces like Canon in D (Pachelbel), Claire de Lune (Debussy), Ave Maria (J S Bach), and Ode to Joy (Beethoven).
So, what will you perform at this wedding? I recommend "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" from Edvard Grieg. It is the last piece from Volume 8 of Grieg's Lyric Pieces (a large collection of 66 solo pieces). Click on the video below to listen!
No? A bad choice, you say? So, what would YOU recommend we play at this wedding other than the pieces listed here?
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq83dUB37rI
Score: https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/285710/ft01
 |
No, I don't think so. Canon in D doesn't sound that nice on the piano, not without some strings backing. |
 |
Most gals would melt with Canon in D, even just piano alone!! ? |
 |
Yes Mabel, I will melt... ? Gavin, to me, I don't think this song is suitable for a wedding here in SG leh. Hehehe, just my personal opinion, at least for my wedding. |
|
|
Ok... majority wins, I suppose! ? |
Piano Island Festival - 9th to 15th Jan 2018. Has anyone ever heard of this event co-sponsored by the Portuguese Embassy and Steinway? Is attending such Masterclasses/Lectures worth it?
 |
I have several pianist friends (who were graduates from overseas' prestigious music conservatories) who agree with me that music theory stemming from the 5-lined staff system is indeed superfluous... See More I have several pianist friends (who were graduates from overseas' prestigious music conservatories) who agree with me that music theory stemming from the 5-lined staff system is indeed superfluous and complicating, and there is a political reason for them to stay put that way (instead of being overhauled and simplified to meet the ease of learning by the masses). The reason is to preserve their elitism and exclusivity, period. |
|
|
I would tend towards disagreeing. The ability to learn and read music is no more elitist than say the ability to learn and read English. I feel that the language of music is likewise imposed upon... See More I would tend towards disagreeing. The ability to learn and read music is no more elitist than say the ability to learn and read English. I feel that the language of music is likewise imposed upon by something akin to grammar - as in rules that you must follow on how to place notes and rests properly on the staves. It is an efficient system for communicating ideas on a musical level. You could compare a lively piano concerto to be equivalent to a suspense novel from Tom Clancy, but that is something that you don't boast to friends who don't know anything about music. To do so is to invite people to start labeling you - they may make a snide comment saying you are a "show off". But they are right, because you are actually letting boasting about your skill in knowing another "language" - the language of music. For some reason, this boastfulness may be misconstrued as a form of elitism. Surely we do not want to regress back to the era of bards and skalds where we repeat everything to our students. But, it is ultimately your prerogative If you want others to learn by playing by ear. They can always embellish or rearrange however they wish, of course, enriching a musical piece this way - but you would have lost the original version. This is probably how songs like Greensleeves and Sakura (and a million other traditional songs) were passed down through the ages. But in today's context, it would be silly to not use a proper music notation system to preserve and communicate your work to the next generation. Just power up Finale (or Musescore) and enter in your music, as simple as ABC. If a person should feel that the 5-lined staff system is too complicated or elitist, there are always other music systems around - like the interesting Klavarskribo or the Lead Sheet used by jazz musicians to abbreviate the gist of a song. The most common of these alternative music notation systems would likely be the numbered musical notation system. There are reams of these scores being passed down to preserve the rich musical heritage in China, and you could always promote that as a good alternative to the 5-lined stave system. I guess looking at a page full of numbers, dots, and underlines, would deem to be less elitist. |
|
|
Spot on, Gavin! It is exactly the choice of notation system I'm talking about (when the use of notation is necessary like you've rightfully pointed out). I'm advocating the use of cipher (numeral... See More Spot on, Gavin! It is exactly the choice of notation system I'm talking about (when the use of notation is necessary like you've rightfully pointed out). I'm advocating the use of cipher (numeral) notations adopted by millions of Chinese because this is a much simpler way to understand music, read music, play music, etc., and also, like what you'd highlighted, DOCUMENT music throughout the ages. I'd in fact conducted a full Western orchestral piece using the Cipher notation system, dismissing the myth that it is too simple (i.e. not sophisticated enough) to match the needs of the Western music tradition. This IS the revolution I've been talking about! Many who were initially unconvinced by me were encouraged to watch the movie The Time Machine (2002 film). After watching it, many became convinced! Also explaining why SOTA admits pupils who can sight-read on any other forms (need not be the 5-lined notation system). |
|
|
So, anyone going? |
How many pianists here love taking a hiatus now and then from playing the piano and trying something else - like learning another instrument, composing music, limelighting as a lyricist, or partaking in singing?
|
|
Cakewalk! Superb! Been using its ancient versions for orchestral music arrangements since the early 90s, recently upgraded to using Sonar Artist! |
|
|
Arrgh... why do I keep typing Cakewalk. I am using Sonar too. |
|
|
Teik Lee, what is comping? |
|
|
"Comping" is short form for complement or accompaniment. You can read more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comping... See More "Comping" is short form for complement or accompaniment. You can read more about it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comping |
Piano Piece Pick #15 - With the evil clown "It" terrorizing cinema goers, it is perhaps never a better time then to think about addressing people's coulrophobia, or fear of clowns.
What about learning how to play the tune that started it all for the world of the Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey Circus? And, that would be Czech composer Julius Fučík's Entrance of the Gladiators (Op 68). The march gained popularity in circuses after it was arranged for wind bands and... See More
Piano Piece Pick #15 - With the evil clown "It" terrorizing cinema goers, it is perhaps never a better time then to think about addressing people's coulrophobia, or fear of clowns.
What about learning how to play the tune that started it all for the world of the Ringling Brothers, and Barnum & Bailey Circus? And, that would be Czech composer Julius Fučík's Entrance of the Gladiators (Op 68). The march gained popularity in circuses after it was arranged for wind bands and published as "Thunder and Blazes". Today, it is played to introduce clowns.
So, let's "Send in the Clowns". Click and listen!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0CyOAO8y0
http://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Fu%C4%8D%C3%ADk,_Julius
|
|
Playmobil evades copyright issues by composing "this song using different notes but of the same style"! Give it a listen! ... See More Playmobil evades copyright issues by composing "this song using different notes but of the same style"! Give it a listen! |
|
|
Laugh out loud! Yes, it is a rip off of Fučík's march. But, I don't think you can get away scot free in today's music industry; you will very likely get sued if there are derivative similarities... See More Laugh out loud! Yes, it is a rip off of Fučík's march. But, I don't think you can get away scot free in today's music industry; you will very likely get sued if there are derivative similarities. |
Piano Piece Pick #13 - Claude Debussy wrote a 6 piece suite for children back in 1908. The final piece of the set contained this peculiar title - "Golliwogg's cake-walk". But, what does the title mean?
Well, a golliwogg is a stuffed rag doll characterized by white-rimmed eyes, clown-like lips, and frizzy black hair and skin. The cakewalk is a dance invented by slaves to make fun of the elite class; often slaves would dance against each other to win a delicious hoecake (southern... See More
Piano Piece Pick #13 - Claude Debussy wrote a 6 piece suite for children back in 1908. The final piece of the set contained this peculiar title - "Golliwogg's cake-walk". But, what does the title mean?
Well, a golliwogg is a stuffed rag doll characterized by white-rimmed eyes, clown-like lips, and frizzy black hair and skin. The cakewalk is a dance invented by slaves to make fun of the elite class; often slaves would dance against each other to win a delicious hoecake (southern cornbread).
Debussy's Golliwogg's cake-walk invokes an image of black dolls dancing in mocking fun and the music borrows elements from ragtime and jazz. And boy, doesn't that distinctive melody take the cake?
Sanctuary of the Heart - Music by Albert Ketelbey, Lyrics by Goh Zensen, Soprano Vocal (to be) by Karen Aw:
|
|
Karen is with the Singapore Symphony Chorus, singing the soprano part. I also introduced her to the Pianovers; and as a result, she has found several good friends! |
|
|
I see! I haven't heard a performance by Singapore Symphony Chorus before. ? Hee. Does she play the piano too? |
|
|
You can watch the Singapore Symphony Chorus (plus the Children's Choir) performing "Bimm Bamm! Es sungen drei Engel" from Mahler's 3rd Symphony.... See More You can watch the Singapore Symphony Chorus (plus the Children's Choir) performing "Bimm Bamm! Es sungen drei Engel" from Mahler's 3rd Symphony. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW0dIi4mqas&t=1h14m15s And, I'm pretty sure Karen plays the piano too: https://www.thepiano.sg/pianover/karen-aw-2622 |
|
|
Yes, Karen is a piano tutor too! |
Piano Piece Pick #12 - With Christmas just 20 days away, it's time to prepare a piece for that all important recital. Why not pick something jazzy this year?
Mel Tormé's The Christmas Song is etched indelibly in our minds with its famous opening lyrics - "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose." The song becomes extra special however when it gets that special jazz treatment.
Plus there are other Christmas jazz songs as well, so maybe we'll hear one... See More
Piano Piece Pick #12 - With Christmas just 20 days away, it's time to prepare a piece for that all important recital. Why not pick something jazzy this year?
Mel Tormé's The Christmas Song is etched indelibly in our minds with its famous opening lyrics - "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose." The song becomes extra special however when it gets that special jazz treatment.
Plus there are other Christmas jazz songs as well, so maybe we'll hear one this year at Pianovers Meetup #64?
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqHOG9KSYAg
Score: Available in Musescore
Piano Piece Pick #11 - Following on the études from the last article, today I introduce a set of 7 Virtuoso Études from Earl Wild. This set are virtuosic transcriptions of George Gershwin's popular songs and include I got Rhythm, Oh Lady be Good, Liza, Embraceable You, Somebody Loves me, Fascinatin' Rhythm, and The Man I Love.
If you are up to this fresh challenge, take the plunge on the Wild side and try your hand at one of these well-loved songs from Gershwin. You will meet... See More
Piano Piece Pick #11 - Following on the études from the last article, today I introduce a set of 7 Virtuoso Études from Earl Wild. This set are virtuosic transcriptions of George Gershwin's popular songs and include I got Rhythm, Oh Lady be Good, Liza, Embraceable You, Somebody Loves me, Fascinatin' Rhythm, and The Man I Love.
If you are up to this fresh challenge, take the plunge on the Wild side and try your hand at one of these well-loved songs from Gershwin. You will meet polyrhythms, demanding scales and arpeggios, staccato playing, brilliant jazz rhythms and more.
Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYJY2glnyL0
Score - Available by Googling for "wild gershwin sheet pdf"
Piano Piece Pick #10 - Bela Bartok's Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm feature some of the most peculiar time signatures in piano pieces that you are ever likely to encounter.
In actual fact, these six pieces make up the last 6 of a set of 153 pieces from the Mikrokosmos collection, études ranging from very very easy, leading all the way up to fiendishly difficult. So, there is something for everyone here.
#148 is 4 + 2 + 3 quavers in each bar
#149 is 2 + 2 + 3 quavers in... See More
Piano Piece Pick #10 - Bela Bartok's Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm feature some of the most peculiar time signatures in piano pieces that you are ever likely to encounter.
In actual fact, these six pieces make up the last 6 of a set of 153 pieces from the Mikrokosmos collection, études ranging from very very easy, leading all the way up to fiendishly difficult. So, there is something for everyone here.
#148 is 4 + 2 + 3 quavers in each bar
#149 is 2 + 2 + 3 quavers in each bar
#150 is 5 quavers in each bar
#151 is 3 + 2 + 3 quavers in each bar
#152 is 2 + 2 + 2 + 3 quavers in each bar
#153 is 3 + 3 + 2 quavers in each bar
Listen to Bartok playing Bartok and share your opinions below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cj306a_qTPk
Score: http://imslp.eu/files/imglnks/euimg/2/21/IMSLP465640-PMLP3661-Bela_Barto...
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #9 - 彩云追月 (Cǎi Yún Zhuī Yuè), or translated as "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon", is a piece composed by 任光 (Rén Guāng) back in 1932.
Imagine a scene of the night sky filled with multi-coloured clouds trying to play catch with the moon. And to that visual picture, coupled with a modern cosmopolitan beat, singer 爱戴 (Ài Dài or Edell) added poetic lyrics to the song in 2003 for her album "Love"; she sings it both in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Listen to... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #9 - 彩云追月 (Cǎi Yún Zhuī Yuè), or translated as "Colourful Clouds Chasing the Moon", is a piece composed by 任光 (Rén Guāng) back in 1932.
Imagine a scene of the night sky filled with multi-coloured clouds trying to play catch with the moon. And to that visual picture, coupled with a modern cosmopolitan beat, singer 爱戴 (Ài Dài or Edell) added poetic lyrics to the song in 2003 for her album "Love"; she sings it both in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Listen to three versions of the song below:
Lang Lang's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3JT5giyVMM
Li Yundi's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-EZTdVJmVQ
Edell's - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PQr3qnly80
Score: Follow the link found in the Youtube description for the version performed by Lang Lang.
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #8 - Today's focus is shifting gears to bring you something from mother Russia. Entitled Дорогой длинною (or pronounced "Daroguy D'lina-you). This piece is simple to play and famous the world over, including Singapore. It's a great piece for children or adult beginners, plus it makes a great cultural crossover.
The song has been covered by many other singers including Bing Crosby, Roger Whittaker, Dolly Parton, and even sampled by 50 Cent in "When it rains... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #8 - Today's focus is shifting gears to bring you something from mother Russia. Entitled Дорогой длинною (or pronounced "Daroguy D'lina-you). This piece is simple to play and famous the world over, including Singapore. It's a great piece for children or adult beginners, plus it makes a great cultural crossover.
The song has been covered by many other singers including Bing Crosby, Roger Whittaker, Dolly Parton, and even sampled by 50 Cent in "When it rains it pours". Originally composed by Boris Fomin, Eugene Raskin penned the English lyrics, and Welsh singer Mary Hopkin actually made it famous in 1968.
No guesses for what this song is. Just listen to it below (preferably the Russian version - sung by Sergey Lazarev):
Russian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmRynue6_MA
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE
Score: https://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/20774692/164648859/name/Those+Were+The+Day...
|
|
The irony here is that the Russian and English lyrics have not that much in common. The former called "By the Long Road" is a romantic gypsy song, whereas the latter "Those were the Days" is more... See More The irony here is that the Russian and English lyrics have not that much in common. The former called "By the Long Road" is a romantic gypsy song, whereas the latter "Those were the Days" is more a celebration of life. The saddest thing though for the Russian version was that romantic songs were eventually banned in Russia back in 1929. Poor Boris (the composer) eventually went to prison in 1937 for his songs and much later on died from tuberculosis in 1948. But in between, Boris had to endure the shame of composing songs that were considered anti-socialist in nature! |
|
|
@Zensen: Helmut Lotti's singing shows us that he is quite a smooth crooner whereas Sergey Lazarev's singing tends to be more flamboyant. What can I say, I like both performances! |
|
|
Yes! And I''m impressed that Mabel knows this song despite being so young! |
|
|
Zensen, it's in one of those Alfred learning books for beginners! ? |
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #7 - The Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from Act Two of the ballet Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian probably needs no introduction.
To find a great piano transcription that does it justice while bringing out the beautiful love theme however, can be quite a task. But, I have recently found one on the web (possibly by Emin Khachaturian, Aram's nephew) and wanted to share it with all here. Enjoy!
I was playing this piece earlier (after watching an... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #7 - The Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia from Act Two of the ballet Spartacus by Aram Khachaturian probably needs no introduction.
To find a great piano transcription that does it justice while bringing out the beautiful love theme however, can be quite a task. But, I have recently found one on the web (possibly by Emin Khachaturian, Aram's nephew) and wanted to share it with all here. Enjoy!
I was playing this piece earlier (after watching an encore of 童话 by Eng Wee at the URA Centre), and I must say that the Adagio of Spartacus and Phryigia is quite a challenge for the uninitiated, but definitely navigable for experienced sight readers.
|
|
The score for the Adagio is here |
|
|
I prefer the original orchestral version whereby during the climax, the strings play in triple-diap (octaves) layers for the main melody while the trumpets play the counter melody. My friend... See More I prefer the original orchestral version whereby during the climax, the strings play in triple-diap (octaves) layers for the main melody while the trumpets play the counter melody. My friend Martin calls it, "Emotional Peak"! |
|
|
Though this piano solo arrangement/transcription adheres largely to the piece, during the climax it falls short of one important counter melody (from 5:20 to 5:22), namely the notes G#, highF then... See More Though this piano solo arrangement/transcription adheres largely to the piece, during the climax it falls short of one important counter melody (from 5:20 to 5:22), namely the notes G#, highF then B (originally by the trumpets). |
|
|
Well, I guess you can't win them all with piano reductions. Or, maybe you could add in the counter melody yourself. But I am guessing it is a balance of wanting a transcription to be... See More Well, I guess you can't win them all with piano reductions. Or, maybe you could add in the counter melody yourself. But I am guessing it is a balance of wanting a transcription to be accurate vs the transcription being playable by pianists. Which was why the counter melody was not added. |
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #6 - For those looking to be armchair travelers, let Albert William Ketèlbey take you on a journey "In a Persian Market" and "In a Chinese Temple".
I remember playing the latter many years ago and still recall the enchanting tunes that Ketèlbey created to make you believe you were in a faraway place. The orchestral version features all kinds of exotic sounds - from oriental themes to mystical gongs and chanting "monks".
Listen to them and then grab... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #6 - For those looking to be armchair travelers, let Albert William Ketèlbey take you on a journey "In a Persian Market" and "In a Chinese Temple".
I remember playing the latter many years ago and still recall the enchanting tunes that Ketèlbey created to make you believe you were in a faraway place. The orchestral version features all kinds of exotic sounds - from oriental themes to mystical gongs and chanting "monks".
Listen to them and then grab the scores to practice on the piano below.
Chinese Temple: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXXozkxE40M
Persian Market: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ede2QMi5JM
Scores: http://imslp.org/wiki/Category:Ket%C3%A8lbey,_Albert_William
|
|
Haha. Hence, the need to promote Ketèlbey to a new generation. Lyrics to Sanctuary of the Heart? That's really nice. Would love to hear it one day. Live performance, perhaps? |
 |
Oh my gosh... In a Persian Market is one of the songs that motivated me to ask my parents for piano lessons. Saw one of my schoolmates performing the song at school and I was immediately blown... See More Oh my gosh... In a Persian Market is one of the songs that motivated me to ask my parents for piano lessons. Saw one of my schoolmates performing the song at school and I was immediately blown away. Thanks Gavin for sharing and reminding me of the song. It really brought back fond memories. |
|
|
No problem! Ketèlbey's music seems to have that surprising charm to nab avid afficionados. It's no surprise he became a millionaire selling these two pieces and "In the Mystic Land of Egypt." |
|
|
Ketelbet's Bells Across the Meadows is another soul-touching piece whereby I used to get my students to write lyrics to it too! |
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #4 - For those who love ice skating, Les Patineurs Valse, or more popularly known as The Skaters' Waltz, Op. 183, is a waltz by Émile Waldteufel that is sure to please; this is possibly his best known composition.
The Waltz sets out to capture the atmosphere of skaters on the surface of the frozen River Seine, and it achieves this admirably through an introduction, four brilliantly enchanting waltz themes and a coda section that captures that wintry spirit... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #4 - For those who love ice skating, Les Patineurs Valse, or more popularly known as The Skaters' Waltz, Op. 183, is a waltz by Émile Waldteufel that is sure to please; this is possibly his best known composition.
The Waltz sets out to capture the atmosphere of skaters on the surface of the frozen River Seine, and it achieves this admirably through an introduction, four brilliantly enchanting waltz themes and a coda section that captures that wintry spirit.
|
|
This is one of my favorites - though I personally like his Estudiantina Waltz better. |
|
|
Yes, that one is as popular, but I guess I am a teensy bit biased towards music that have appeared in video games. I always associate The Skater's Waltz with a cute little animated penguin skating... See More Yes, that one is as popular, but I guess I am a teensy bit biased towards music that have appeared in video games. I always associate The Skater's Waltz with a cute little animated penguin skating whenever I hear it. |
If I move my piano to another location, and during the moving, the piano got a few fresh scratches, is the piano mover liable to pay for the damages?
|
|
Sounds like a tricky situation. Did it really happen to you? |
 |
Didn't happen to me. But to my friend. Was asking on her behalf, and see if anyone has similar experiences. |
|
|
Hope it ended well for her! ? |
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #5 - Mention Alfred Hitchcock and you might remember the diversity of dramas, thrillers, and mysteries from "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", a TV series that was produced back in the mid-60s.
Indelibly linked to the TV series is Charles Gounod's Funeral March of a Marionette. Originally planned as part of a suite dedicated to a music critic, only this piece was released after the critic's untimely death. Listen to the familiar strains of Gounod's music in the... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #5 - Mention Alfred Hitchcock and you might remember the diversity of dramas, thrillers, and mysteries from "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", a TV series that was produced back in the mid-60s.
Indelibly linked to the TV series is Charles Gounod's Funeral March of a Marionette. Originally planned as part of a suite dedicated to a music critic, only this piece was released after the critic's untimely death. Listen to the familiar strains of Gounod's music in the video below.
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #1 - Was playing this piece earlier today at URA Centre, when I thought, why not introduce it here for Pianovers to play.
Granados' well known piece from the Goyescas suite called "Quejas, o La Maja y el ruiseñor" or aka "The Maiden and the Nightingale". This piece is actually what the famous song "Bésame Mucho" (composed by Consuelo Velázquez) was based off.
Listen to a performance of the piece below:
... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #1 - Was playing this piece earlier today at URA Centre, when I thought, why not introduce it here for Pianovers to play.
Granados' well known piece from the Goyescas suite called "Quejas, o La Maja y el ruiseñor" or aka "The Maiden and the Nightingale". This piece is actually what the famous song "Bésame Mucho" (composed by Consuelo Velázquez) was based off.
Listen to a performance of the piece below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7naaVPKatOo
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #3 - It seems that today's recommendation has something in common from yesterday's writeup - the year 1944.
From a romance movie known as Love Story comes this exquisite piece of film music that feels like a mini piano concerto - the Cornish Rhapsody by British film composer, Hubert Bath.
Often showcased as a companion to the Warsaw Concerto by Addinsell, it was made popular by Richard Clayderman when he did a cover of both pieces in 1985.
... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #3 - It seems that today's recommendation has something in common from yesterday's writeup - the year 1944.
From a romance movie known as Love Story comes this exquisite piece of film music that feels like a mini piano concerto - the Cornish Rhapsody by British film composer, Hubert Bath.
Often showcased as a companion to the Warsaw Concerto by Addinsell, it was made popular by Richard Clayderman when he did a cover of both pieces in 1985.
Another topic that needs addressing is the size of our meetups (20 performers in #57 and 17 performers in #59). Short of reducing play time gradually from 5 to 4, 3, 2, 1 minute, are there suggestions for addressing the popularity of our mini recitals?
|
|
Soo Hin, good idea! I will try to convince the sub-station leaders/owners to do what you suggest. |
|
|
It's a win-win situation, and of course the entire piano community will benefit. And in your own terms, making Singapore even less of a cultural desert (I saw you contributed an article under your... See More It's a win-win situation, and of course the entire piano community will benefit. And in your own terms, making Singapore even less of a cultural desert (I saw you contributed an article under your name). |
|
|
:) |
|
|
Excellent proposal! |
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #2 - Tchaikovsky wrote all kinds of music in his time. But, one of his most melanchology songs would have to be "None, But the Lonely Heart".
Coming from his set of Six Romances (Op 6), the last piece wraps around your heart and embraces you in sadness. There is even a movie of the same name that came out in 1944, staring Cary Grant and Ethel Barrymore. A sad movie of the time, it featured Tchaikovsky's song as the background music.
Listen to this... See More
Piano Piece Pick of the Day #2 - Tchaikovsky wrote all kinds of music in his time. But, one of his most melanchology songs would have to be "None, But the Lonely Heart".
Coming from his set of Six Romances (Op 6), the last piece wraps around your heart and embraces you in sadness. There is even a movie of the same name that came out in 1944, staring Cary Grant and Ethel Barrymore. A sad movie of the time, it featured Tchaikovsky's song as the background music.
Listen to this piece below and follow the link to the voice/piano score.
Video: https://www.youtube.com.sg/watch?v=uE6kbNuSOEY
Score: https://imslp.org/wiki/Special:ImagefromIndex/03988/ft01
|
|
I haven't watched "The Bear" (L'Ours in French) before - will grab it from The Esplanade library this weekend. You see, I love playing June; it's one of the earliest works from Tchaikovsky I... See More I haven't watched "The Bear" (L'Ours in French) before - will grab it from The Esplanade library this weekend. You see, I love playing June; it's one of the earliest works from Tchaikovsky I learnt. Can't wait to hear the soundtrack in its entirety. |
|
|
Not surprisingly, I found the full movie of The Bear on Youtube. Interesting to hear the familiar strains of June throughout. |
|
|
I"m very glad you've managed to watch The Bear and finding its orchestral soundtrack superb! |
|
|
Hey Yong Meng, there's no thumbs up in your forums. Guess I got to give this thread a Heart! |
How would one start off as a piano teacher? I am guessing the hardest bit would be to find yourself students who are willing to give you a try. How should one go about that? Or it would it better to join a school and work for them to get experience?
|
|
Exactly. It thus takes a fundamental shift in societal values and perceptions, just like our government is taking pains to change parents' mindset on what defines "success" - it is no longer good... See More Exactly. It thus takes a fundamental shift in societal values and perceptions, just like our government is taking pains to change parents' mindset on what defines "success" - it is no longer good grades entering top schools, then top universities, then becoming doctors or lawyers earning big bucks. In some of my articles, I wrote about certifications being essential for doctors and engineers because we can't afford being prescribed wrong medication, or living in houses that might collapse anytime. But what is the inherent risk in music, which is largely about appreciation and enjoyment? |
|
|
I think I mentioned somewhere else that ABRSM is also applauded for having "moved with the times". Recognising that several seasoned practicing pop musicians would look absurd in making them go... See More I think I mentioned somewhere else that ABRSM is also applauded for having "moved with the times". Recognising that several seasoned practicing pop musicians would look absurd in making them go through their graded exams, they now confer them with their credentials (bearing the ABRMS logo) in the form of open-ended certificates. That is, instead of showing Grade 8 or something, they pen a paragraph on their musicianship and mastery after witnessing their demonstration of skills. |
|
|
Soh Hin, did you know that in the past (just a few years ago), teachers who were graduates were placed on a higher salary scale (almost doubles that of non-graduates') but of late, even non-... See More Soh Hin, did you know that in the past (just a few years ago), teachers who were graduates were placed on a higher salary scale (almost doubles that of non-graduates') but of late, even non-graduates can be placed on the graduate's scale directly? There have also been several case studies whereby employers chose Polytechnic graduands over University graduates with straight As (over the same job position) because they found the former more creative, resilient and industrial-based while the latter was only exam-smart and theoretical? Explaining now why govt schools in Singapore is taking a different slant - they no longer over-emphasize academic achievements but holistic development (many facets not measurable by tests). |
|
|
ABRSM certs thus are not stated as 'basic requirements'. In many cases, criteria mentioned are: "ABRSM Grade XXX OR equivalent credentials or field experiences, etc......" This is because they... See More ABRSM certs thus are not stated as 'basic requirements'. In many cases, criteria mentioned are: "ABRSM Grade XXX OR equivalent credentials or field experiences, etc......" This is because they know that a large proportion of candidates with ABRSM graded certifications have been gotten because of drills and theoretical understanding of music. Many don't understand music per se, and neither can they apply music principles flexibly via improvisations, re-arrangements, etc. |
Would you play the piano like that? Please discuss below. Hope it cheers up your Monday Blues!
1) Crazily fast [Flight of the Bumble Bee by Rimsky-Korsakov] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daVftrhHyTM
2) Outrageously destructive [Orage (which means "Storm") by Liszt] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EAv9qENcH4
3) With amusing... See More
Would you play the piano like that? Please discuss below. Hope it cheers up your Monday Blues!
1) Crazily fast [Flight of the Bumble Bee by Rimsky-Korsakov] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daVftrhHyTM
2) Outrageously destructive [Orage (which means "Storm") by Liszt] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EAv9qENcH4
3) With amusing antics [The Scarlet Cape by Federer] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGChZFWnzus
4) Monumentally sad [Elegy for the Victims of the Tsunami of March 11, 2011 in Japan by Tsujii] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqoV4ZW7xTA
5) With 2 fingers taped up on each hand - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyK_o_tRtuM
6.1) Defying gravity in outer space, part 1 - [Beethoven Piano Sonata #8, 1st movmt] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBAPps64uds
6.2) Defying gravity on Earth, part 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d1nENCol1Q
7) Playing the piano backwards and upside down [Rondo Alla Turca by Mozart] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0iH5iNSDMY
8) "Breed" a different kind of pianist [America the Beautiful by Ward] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfPBfMGLf9Q
9) In full costume [Maple Leaf Rag by Joplin] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItA-pPKBP8Y
10) Creatively improvising with different music styles [Happy Birthday by Mildred J Hill] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S75gYhODS0M
11) Playing a large piano with your feet, I kid you not! [The Pink Panther Song by Mancini] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PMhkemeQRg
12) Handicapped, but yet playing the piano and singing with such dignity! [A Million Stars by Luminița Anghel] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwTpbRPT4HU
|
|
Yes, Yuja Wang was insanely fast! But, the Guinness world record for hitting a single piano key in one minute is 824. Sounds pointless, but I guess it's fair as playing a piano piece subjects the... See More Yes, Yuja Wang was insanely fast! But, the Guinness world record for hitting a single piano key in one minute is 824. Sounds pointless, but I guess it's fair as playing a piano piece subjects the effort to an evaluation of accuracy and correctness. |
|
|
824 in a minute? That means... 13 times in a second??!!! OMG! |
|
|
Yes. Fingers will be totally numb after a few seconds. See here: Yes. Fingers will be totally numb after a few seconds. See here: |
|
|
Ya, I just read about him. And the record is so recent, just this year! |
Which performing pianist do you like best and why?
|
|
Yes, some of Clayderman's pieces are still appealing. But I got tired of the boring left-hand accompaniment styles from Olivier Toussaint and Paul de Seneville. See image for what I mean.... See More Yes, some of Clayderman's pieces are still appealing. But I got tired of the boring left-hand accompaniment styles from Olivier Toussaint and Paul de Seneville. See image for what I mean. https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5e/54/f9/5e54f979f8f89c9a111a41e082b60be7... |
|
|
Which piece are you learning now? |
|
|
I was just learning Harmonies du soir (Liszt). I have other pieces I am interested in, but will shelf them because of the stuff that I hear from our Meetups. For example, Asturias led me to... See More I was just learning Harmonies du soir (Liszt). I have other pieces I am interested in, but will shelf them because of the stuff that I hear from our Meetups. For example, Asturias led me to Villanesca (Granados). |
|
|
Har... I just saw the scores for the Harmonies piece. So many chords. ? ? Definitely beyond me. |
At my recent talk on composing and arranging at Anglican High, I highlighted to the O-Level music students on the importance to deepen one's understanding of music theory in order to be a superior music arranger. Then one of the them asked me this question, "Would ABRSM Grade 8 theory suffice?"
|
|
Haha! |
|
|
Best part is: America doesn't seem to have the ABRSM/Trinity equivalent kind of graded exams for music. Correct me if I'm wrong? |
|
|
What topics in music theory are important then, to be a superior music arranger? |
|
|
Almost all topics are important; though the more apparent ones are Parts of Music/Textures/Layers, chord identity and chord structures, types of bass playing, principles of counter melodies... See More Almost all topics are important; though the more apparent ones are Parts of Music/Textures/Layers, chord identity and chord structures, types of bass playing, principles of counter melodies formations, sub-harmonies and super-harmonies, types of modulations, types of rhythms, syncopation, etc. |
You watched the movie? Quite an old show.
Nay.. I didn't watch. I avoid horror shows. I run away! I guess you did?
I didn't as well. But I'm familiar with this famous title. Just like how I know the existence of Lord of the Rings, but I have never watched them.
My first time with this piece! ?