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My Favourite Classical Piano Pieces

August 15th, 2009

I’ve been practicing Clair De Lune all day today, and then I thought that I should write a few of my ultimate favourite classical pieces.

Clair De Lune by Claude Debussy. Of course. I’ve posted about this piece several times, mostly because it is my main project right now. I’m improving everyday and it feels great. This is, by far, one of the most beautiful piano pieces ever (in my opinion) and really enjoyable to play. I hope to have fully completed perfecting the piece within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

Piano Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, op. 13—Sonata Pathétique (2nd Movement) by Ludwig Van Beethoven. This is the second (and most well-known) movements of three movements, which take about 19 minutes to play in total. The first movement is Grave (slowly with solemnity) and Allegro di molto e con brio (quickly, with much vigour). The third movement is Rondo: Allegro (quickly). The second movement, and my favourite, is Adagio cantabile (slowly, in a singing style). The second movements is the most recognizable, and I have about half or maybe even three quarters of the 2nd movement already.

Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin. Ahh, yes. This is not quite a classical piece, as it comes from the ragtime era and was composed by Scott Joplin, who is known as one of the great ragtime composers of all time. This is a grade 9 piano piece and I learned it a few years ago to play during my very last piano recital. I was in a rush, so I had to skip a section on the third page. I’ve tried several times to go back and practice it, but I’ve never kept up with practicing this section. Once I have this one section done, I’ll be done the entire piece.

Waltz in D Flat Major, opus 64, No. 1—Minute Waltz by Frederyc Chopin. This is a fun piece to play. It’s very upbeat and fast, and was given the tempo marking “Molto vivace”. I like this piece because it sounds great and it really challenges my ability to keep up with the tempo. Out of all these pieces, this one is probably the one that I have practiced the least.

Nocturne No. 20, Op. Posth. in C Sharp Minor by Frederyc Chopin. I haven’t touched this piece in quite a while. I believe I had mastered the first page or page and a half, but I haven’t tried playing it lately. The tempo is Lento con gran espressione and most of the left hand plays arpeggios throughout the piece before shifting into a dreamy pianissimo. The piece then returns to its original state and ends again in C sharp minor.

Elise’s Musical Tip For The Day:

What’s your favourite classical piece? Even if you prefer to learn or listen to more contemporary, popular, jazz, or new age piano compositions, I think it’s hard to completely ignore classical. Piano music has evolved thanks some of the greatest classical composers of all time, and without them, much would be lost. Take the time to listen to some classical piano, it’s very relaxing and I think you’ll really learn to appreciate the classical side of piano!