As the final day of National Piano Month approaches, I thought I would share some of my favorite piano composers and favorite piano pieces to listen to and to play. Maybe you will discover a new piano favorite among them!
First, I must start with my all-time favorite composer, Beethoven. I love the passion and drama Beethoven’s music brings forth, but he’s not necessarily known for his piano pieces. Usually his orchestral pieces are more popular. But one of my favorite pieces of music, which is a Beethoven piano piece is the Sonata Pathetique, 2nd movement. It is a beautiful, haunting melody that brings a calm to this crazy world. But of course, in traditional Beethoven style, it still has a little subtle drama in the middle. Ironically, the first time I heard this piece was in a Charlie Brown Peanuts movie, because, of course, Beethoven is also Schroeder’s favorite composer too. If you’ve never heard it before, watch this mesmerizing rendition.
Another favorite of mine amongst the classical romantic composers is Chopin and his Nocturne in E-flat, No.9, Op.2. Also a slow beautiful ballad, almost a lullaby, with a subtle waltz beat. This version is also paired with a painting of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night, also a favorite of mine, and I think its a perfect pairing.
Moving beyond the traditional, the next piece I selected for this list is Gymnopedie No.1 by Erik Satie, an impressionistic composer. The melody sounds simple but the chords underneath can be a bit more complex. Satie was known as a rule breaker, and while he is mostly considered impressionistic, he really was in his own category of style.
Now, while all the pieces I’ve have mentioned so far are beautiful, they are all slow and a bit sleepy! So I felt I needed to include a faster-paced piece here. How about Mozart’s Alla Turca (aka Turkish Rondo)? Or Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu? Or Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, the 3rd movement? So many great pieces! Here’s a video I highly recommend watching to see some of these faster pieces in action! Its amazing how fast someones fingers can move but it takes a LOT of practice!
Did you discover a new composer or a new piece you might like to learn? What was your favorite piece to listen to? What pieces would you add to this list? I hope you enjoyed my selections. There are so many great piano pieces to choose from. Choose one for yourself and get practicing!
Miss Donna 4 Music 