Piano Pieces
Piano Piece Pick #16 - (If I got my numbering correct,) I would love to resume this series...
Mendelssohn is often nobody's favorite composer, so allow me to introduce a piece of his - Fantasie, Op. 28, a 3 movement work. It is also known as "Sonata écossaise" or the Scottish Sonata. Each movement is faster than the one before it (just like Beethoven's "Moonlight").
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VTlaGREM7I... See More
Piano Piece Pick #16 - (If I got my numbering correct,) I would love to resume this series...
Mendelssohn is often nobody's favorite composer, so allow me to introduce a piece of his - Fantasie, Op. 28, a 3 movement work. It is also known as "Sonata écossaise" or the Scottish Sonata. Each movement is faster than the one before it (just like Beethoven's "Moonlight").
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VTlaGREM7I
IMSLP link to score sheet: https://imslp.org/wiki/Fantasie%2C_Op.28_%28Mendelssohn%2C_Felix%29
Love is Blue is a classic sentimental song that has captured my attention, since I first heard it in music lesson in Secondary 1. My music teacher Mr Sem Kai Peng played this out, and we students were supposed to play out the piece on the recorder.
Recently after receiving music lessons in 2018, I heard this piece again and attempted to deconstruct its elements. I will be deconstructing the Paul Mariat A minor version.
Its introduction chords is appregioic zigzag style, and my... See More
Love is Blue is a classic sentimental song that has captured my attention, since I first heard it in music lesson in Secondary 1. My music teacher Mr Sem Kai Peng played this out, and we students were supposed to play out the piece on the recorder.
Recently after receiving music lessons in 2018, I heard this piece again and attempted to deconstruct its elements. I will be deconstructing the Paul Mariat A minor version.
Its introduction chords is appregioic zigzag style, and my favourite element is the counter melody in the second verse.
In the middle of the piece, there is a parallel modulation from A minor to A major. I feel this is very apt as after the modulation to the major key, the lyrics turn from being depressed about lost love, to flashbacks about happier times "When we met, how the bright sun shone." before going back to being sad again "Then love died, now the rainbow is gone", and correspondingly the music changes back to the minor key.
Thanks for reading my analysis and perhaps I shall post again about my favourite piano pieces.
Love is Blue is a classic sentimental song that has captured my attention, since I first heard it in music lesson in Secondary 1. My music teacher Mr Sem Kai Peng played this out, and we students were supposed to play out the piece on the recorder.
Recently after receiving music lessons in 2018, I heard this piece again and attempted to deconstruct its elements. I will be deconstructing the Paul Mariat A minor version.
Its introduction chords is appregioic zigzag style, and my... See More
Love is Blue is a classic sentimental song that has captured my attention, since I first heard it in music lesson in Secondary 1. My music teacher Mr Sem Kai Peng played this out, and we students were supposed to play out the piece on the recorder.
Recently after receiving music lessons in 2018, I heard this piece again and attempted to deconstruct its elements. I will be deconstructing the Paul Mariat A minor version.
Its introduction chords is appregioic zigzag style, and my favourite element is the counter melody in the second verse.
In the middle of the piece, there is a parallel modulation from A minor to A major. I feel this is very apt as after the modulation to the major key, the lyrics turn from being depressed about lost love, to flashbacks about happier times "When we met, how the bright sun shone." before going back to being sad again "Then love died, now the rainbow is gone", and correspondingly the music changes back to the minor key.
Thanks for reading my analysis and perhaps I shall post again about my favourite piano pieces.
I originally joined Pianovers with intentions of chances for public performance and to make friends.
Never did I expect to fall in love with some classical music here which I originally thought was too dreary.
Here are a few favourites of mine and acknowledgements to friends who introduced these pieces to me:
1) Military March 1 in D major by Schubert, thanks to Jeremy Foo and Matthew Soh.
2)Prélude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor by Rachmaninoff, thanks to Jonathan Lam... See More
I originally joined Pianovers with intentions of chances for public performance and to make friends.
Never did I expect to fall in love with some classical music here which I originally thought was too dreary.
Here are a few favourites of mine and acknowledgements to friends who introduced these pieces to me:
1) Military March 1 in D major by Schubert, thanks to Jeremy Foo and Matthew Soh.
2)Prélude Op. 23 No. 5 in G minor by Rachmaninoff, thanks to Jonathan Lam
3) Pictures of an Exhibition, Promenade 1 by Modestsky, courtesy of a mental health video I watched
4) Choral Symphony no 9, 2nd Movement by Beethoven, thanks to NUS Choir and the NUS Symphonic Orchestra!!
Next I might discuss the musicalities of these classical pieces to determine why I like them so much!
Guess the Score #3 - This parchment of music looks like a work of art. It is part of a set, so do you know which number it is, the title, and composer?
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Correct! Well done! |
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I won't be able to guess from the bunch of messy notes! Is Bach that untidy? |
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This is considered very tidy already. Try reading Handel’s manuscripts. |
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This is quite confirmed to be Beethoven's Appassionata. |
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Well done! For those who might want to watch it (together with the proper engraved score), click below: Well done! For those who might want to watch it (together with the proper engraved score), click below: |
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I'm a fan of Beethoven's sonatas. Simply brilliant. |
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If you check out the Hungarian Dance No. 5 (see link below), you will know that the piece above is not composed by him. Did Brahms copy somebody else? Try again! If you check out the Hungarian Dance No. 5 (see link below), you will know that the piece above is not composed by him. Did Brahms copy somebody else? Try again! |
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This is "Bártfai Emlék" (Memories of Bártfa) by Hungarian composer Béla Kéler. It is a csárdás - a Hungarian dance with a slow introduction and a fast, wild finish. The story goes that... See More This is "Bártfai Emlék" (Memories of Bártfa) by Hungarian composer Béla Kéler. It is a csárdás - a Hungarian dance with a slow introduction and a fast, wild finish. The story goes that Brahms had mistakenly thought this was a traditional folksong and therefore used it in his Hungarian Dance #5. Unintentional plagiarism or not? You decide. |
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Here is a duet version of "Bártfai Emlék: Csárdás" - https://youtu.be/l5-6jfE-YcA?t=1m14s |
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Compare this with Brahm's version: |
Just to share:
I completed a duet version of Brahms first waltz, it's available here for reference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-hCYqEUFhU
For those who want to practice playing "virtually" with me as your duet partner at home, follow the links below.
I want to play Primo part - https://youtu.be/LzZi0fSUSTA
I want to play Secondo... See More
Just to share:
I completed a duet version of Brahms first waltz, it's available here for reference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-hCYqEUFhU
For those who want to practice playing "virtually" with me as your duet partner at home, follow the links below.
I want to play Primo part - https://youtu.be/LzZi0fSUSTA
I want to play Secondo part - https://youtu.be/Q4oIbzqbrOc
The score is available for free at IMSLP at the following link: http://ks.imslp.net/files/imglnks/usimg/4/42/IMSLP147080-PMLP06507-Brahm...
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The advantages of using Youtube as a learning platform is that you can slow down the video to 75% or 50% speed and slowly learn the piece from there. Would also like to hear any feedback... See More The advantages of using Youtube as a learning platform is that you can slow down the video to 75% or 50% speed and slowly learn the piece from there. Would also like to hear any feedback you may have on how this series of videos can be improved. Thanks. |
This is so cool! Can't stop hearing it over and over again.
And... the sequel Frozen 2 is scheduled to release in 2019 winter!! Yay! ?
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Here's one for the fans - The Piano Guys are coming to Singapore again on 25th Sep to the Star Theatre. You can get your tickets from Sistic. |
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Nice! I love these guys! |
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Btw, The Piano Guys is coming to sg on 25/9!! ?? |
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3 more weeks. Hehe. Countdown! |
So Bad!!!
Adrian, and Janice, check this out! This is the one which I mentioned during the Meetup. =)
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Woah! I feel so motivated after watching the video. |
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I saw the first page of the scores following the link in the youtube. Wanna cry... |
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Lol.... of cos it’s gonna be hard ? |
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That's sooo BAD!!! ? |
Wow! I love the pianos! Especially the R2D2 piano! Looking forward to play this in the future.
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Pianos look very nice! We should have a piano refurbishing service that changes a normal piano into something else like this here in sg. Will be interesting to know what other people wanna change... See More Pianos look very nice! We should have a piano refurbishing service that changes a normal piano into something else like this here in sg. Will be interesting to know what other people wanna change it into. For me, minion theme! You? |
Piano Piece Pick #15 - And so it goes that Billy Joel's 13th (and last) album would be entirely classical compositions, and not a single piece would be performed by him.
As you hear the Air (Dublinesque) from his Fantasies & Delusions album, played beautifully here by Richard Joo, you can't help but marvel at the talent of the incredible "Piano Man" born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Here's to many more years, Billy!
... See More
Piano Piece Pick #15 - And so it goes that Billy Joel's 13th (and last) album would be entirely classical compositions, and not a single piece would be performed by him.
As you hear the Air (Dublinesque) from his Fantasies & Delusions album, played beautifully here by Richard Joo, you can't help but marvel at the talent of the incredible "Piano Man" born and raised in the Bronx, New York. Here's to many more years, Billy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70fiAUFniNQ
PS - Yes, the intro to "And So it Goes" (also from Billy Joel) does sound very similar to the Air (Dublinesque), that I shall add a link to it below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHO6a2H-pqY
Enjoy.
I know I did, playing the Air (it was excellent) and listening to Billy Joel. You can find Fantasies and Delusions at the Esplanade Library.
Happy Birthday in the style of Chopin!
Improvised by Edoardo Brotto
Transcribed by Alexander Norden
Revised and approved by Edoardo Brotto
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Haha, cos many of Chopin's works (both his piano concertos, his Ballade No 1, Waltzes in Bm, Am, C#m and Nocturne in C#m) are in the minor key! |
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Ah, nice improvisation there, Zensen. I don't have a flair for improv. |
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Sorry, what's improvisation? ? |
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Mabel, improvisation in music is a huge topic which I can conduct an hour-long talk on it. To summarise, it is to make variations to the original music (instead of adhering strictly to its... See More Mabel, improvisation in music is a huge topic which I can conduct an hour-long talk on it. To summarise, it is to make variations to the original music (instead of adhering strictly to its original score) via a few means. For example, one way of improvisation is to substitute some of the chords used (or even adding new chords in between existing chords). Another way is to play out the chords differently (e.g. from broken chord style to rhythmic style). Adding or changing other textures/layers such as counter melodies and bass lines also constitute improvisation. Some singers or solo instrumentalists improvise on the melody by changing some of the notes occasionally. Jazz improvisation, on the other hand, allows complete composition of melodic lines along the original music's chord progression. More advanced improvisations can include addition of new sections (such as adding/replacing an original interlude), employing modulations and change in rhythm/time signature. |
Some of the best piano pieces for a funeral are listed below. What would you add to or remove from the list?
1) Death of Åse, Peer Gynt Suite 1, No. 2, Op 46, by Edvard Grieg - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEcZ22XVPus
2) Prelude, No. 20, Op. 28 by Frederic Chopin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeX4X_1_lo0
3) Enigma... See More
Some of the best piano pieces for a funeral are listed below. What would you add to or remove from the list?
1) Death of Åse, Peer Gynt Suite 1, No. 2, Op 46, by Edvard Grieg - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEcZ22XVPus
2) Prelude, No. 20, Op. 28 by Frederic Chopin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeX4X_1_lo0
3) Enigma Variations, No. 9 (Nimrod) by Edward Elgar -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz8DVpcyLZM
4) Lacrymosa (from Requiem), S 550, by Mozart/Liszt -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKl4B75td70
5) Ave Maria, S 558, No. 12 by Schubert/Liszt -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCucnn-95nY
6) Symphony No 1, Mvmt 3 by Gustav Mahler -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3pu8migxZQ&t=28s
7) Harmonies poétiques et religieuses, No. 7 (Funérailles) by Franz Liszt - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EadS7DEHSKM
8) Piano Sonata No 2, Mvmt 3, by Frederic Chopin - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL_HFnnywEU
9) Pavane pour une infante défunte by Maurice Ravel - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPHSHZssOLs
10) La Cathédrale Engloutie by Claude Debussy -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-4qAxZ0F6s
Excellent Transcriptions #2 - Frank Dupree's transcription of Gershwin's An American in Paris is so well done that people have been asking for his version to replace the current simplistic rendition being sold today. It's that good!
PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBSXpKj_WSA
PART 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtSh6JfiSSA... See More
Excellent Transcriptions #2 - Frank Dupree's transcription of Gershwin's An American in Paris is so well done that people have been asking for his version to replace the current simplistic rendition being sold today. It's that good!
PART 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBSXpKj_WSA
PART 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtSh6JfiSSA
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I watched the film! But is this used in the film? |
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The 1951 movie An American in Paris (starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron) only features the orchestral version of the piece. This transcription is a 2014 version for a pianist to indulge in and... See More The 1951 movie An American in Paris (starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron) only features the orchestral version of the piece. This transcription is a 2014 version for a pianist to indulge in and perform with. However, I haven't seen it on sale anywhere yet, possibly some copyright issues. |
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Haha. I like the turning effect of the video btw. Rarely seen. |
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IMHO, the trumpet solo blues tune (followed by the Big Band Broadway feature) is nicer than the Rhapsody in Blue. But in the piano community, fewer know of the former because of it being a non-... See More IMHO, the trumpet solo blues tune (followed by the Big Band Broadway feature) is nicer than the Rhapsody in Blue. But in the piano community, fewer know of the former because of it being a non-piano piece. Thus I always play it via a hybrid of by-ear and improvisation. |
I love Cavatina! Just read up on it in wiki, and it mentioned it was originally written for piano!
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Ya, I just learned in wiki. Ha. The Walking Stick in 1970. Never even heard of this movie. |
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Old movie! |
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Never watch the movie before. ? Think the song is more meaningful if you know the story behind? |
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Touching movie. Must watch! |
So many repeated notes on the right hand.. must be very tiring!
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I heard the keys are heavier on a grand. Shouldn't it be more tiring instead? |
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Keys are indeed heavier on a grand but they have something called double escapement. Double escapement allows for quick play of repeated notes. If I remember correctly, the hammer does not fall... See More Keys are indeed heavier on a grand but they have something called double escapement. Double escapement allows for quick play of repeated notes. If I remember correctly, the hammer does not fall completely, just partially. |
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Interesting. Double escapement. Gotta read up on that! |
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Watching the double escapement action is way better: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGxuD3lWaCs |
Just viewed the performance of this lady - impressed !
Btw, I usually hear this on the guitar instead. Probably my first, or perhaps second, time hearing it on the piano.
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Thanks Gavin for sharing! Amazing pieces. You can play these? |
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Yes. But the Alhambra piece is very tiring on anything but a grand. And, the Villanesca can be quite tricky. The Cavatina is easiest of the lot. Refer to the individual threads that discusses them... See More Yes. But the Alhambra piece is very tiring on anything but a grand. And, the Villanesca can be quite tricky. The Cavatina is easiest of the lot. Refer to the individual threads that discusses them separately in the forums. Thanks. |
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Gavin, you mean it's not tiring to play on grand piano? |
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Pse see my reply in the Alhambra thread. |
Excellent Transcriptions #1 - Debussy's Prélude à l'aprés-midi d'un faune, or Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun, is originally a symphonic poem for orchestra, but beautifully transcribed here for the piano.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbr7c2eRpUY
Time to share my fourth (I think) useful nugget of knowledge. Have you heard or seen arrangements by Mercuziopianist on Youtube?
Well, he actually has a full page of FREE scores arranged by him that is available for download at: https://mega.nz/#F!3BwFVQDT!KxeT8Wt426Y0XEKHHF8v2w
The 532 arrangements are quite... See More
Time to share my fourth (I think) useful nugget of knowledge. Have you heard or seen arrangements by Mercuziopianist on Youtube?
Well, he actually has a full page of FREE scores arranged by him that is available for download at: https://mega.nz/#F!3BwFVQDT!KxeT8Wt426Y0XEKHHF8v2w
The 532 arrangements are quite well done, so go and download what you need and play them at the next Pianover Meetup.
For Michael: Here's the third missing thread originally discussed under the Asturias video. Playing the Villanesca requires you to master the hand-crossing technique. Here is the piece being played by Pierre Morabia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqyOMz4pQ7Y
I can't believe it that the movie "Space Odyssey 2001" is 50 years old this April. Here is Also Sprach Zarathustra (a tone poem from Richard Strauss) which was featured prominently in the movie and played on the piano here by David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3u4ABksco
Do you know of any other classical piece being used in movies? Share below.
... See More
I can't believe it that the movie "Space Odyssey 2001" is 50 years old this April. Here is Also Sprach Zarathustra (a tone poem from Richard Strauss) which was featured prominently in the movie and played on the piano here by David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3u4ABksco
Do you know of any other classical piece being used in movies? Share below.
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Found it... Interesting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eXiB1_RZ8g |
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Yes!! That's the one, very impressive with the part. The playing of the Tempest, the sequence of the notes, is the code to unlock the message that is hidden in a black key. How awesome! |
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Here's another one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw05bErme6Q - Beethoven's Appassionata was featured in the van Damme... See More Here's another one - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw05bErme6Q - Beethoven's Appassionata was featured in the van Damme action flick "Hard Target" where Lance Henriksen (of Aliens fame) and Arnold Vosloo (of Mummy fame) act. |
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Ah nice! Anyway, that song is out of reach to me. Too difficult for me. |
This video shows the different genres of music in the world. The pianist tried to put the most famous songs of each country to demonstrate the name of each style, playing a song for each region of the world from A to Z.
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Wow, I suppose ethnomusicologists would disdain this because while some countries are represented by their folk music (which is most rightful), others are by either the nationality of their... See More Wow, I suppose ethnomusicologists would disdain this because while some countries are represented by their folk music (which is most rightful), others are by either the nationality of their classical composers or the country's pop music! So far Brazil is represented most accurately by its Samba classic Tico-Tico. Japan should be Sakura (if folk), if not Sukiyaki (if pop). USA is most debatable - though Ragtime could be one, what about Gershwin's Broadway/Blues, Sousa's Marches, John Williams's Oscar Soundtracks, Rock & Roll and Hip-Hop, just to name a few? Maybe I would choose Home of the Range (American Folk Song & the Unofficial Anthem of the Amercian West)! |
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Fabricio Andre Bernard Di Paolo, or Lord Vinheteiro, is first and foremost an Youtube Star who wanted to teach other Brazilians about classical music. He has been putting out great piano videos... See More Fabricio Andre Bernard Di Paolo, or Lord Vinheteiro, is first and foremost an Youtube Star who wanted to teach other Brazilians about classical music. He has been putting out great piano videos since 2008, and I would consider taking his opinions with a pinch of salt. Because, it's all for entertainment sake and after all Youtube Stars are here to get more clicks (which translates to cash for people like Lord Vinheteiro). |
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Exactly! |
Extremely difficult piano pieces #5 - You are bound to gasp in awe if you take a journey on Charles-Valentin Alkan's Le Chemin de Fer, or "The Railroad". The pace for this piece is relentless and is sure to pose a difficult task for any pianist attempting to learn it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_TvrwcX5tk
Extremely difficult piano pieces #4 - Villa-Lobos' Rudepoema is sure to give any pianist a rude surprise for its very high level of difficulty. Could you endure playing this twenty minute long tonal portrait? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUA5EJKxY5o
It's good to explore different genres! I'm learning many songs from the many pieces played by you all each week. Kudos to you all!
Mabel, have you ever been to Pianovers? Pls come and make friends with us regulars! I go there about 3 times a month.