Posts Tagged ‘Sonata’
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!
Posted in Classical Piano, Song Reviews | 
Tags: Beethoven, Chopin, Clair De Lune, Classical Music, Classical Piano, Classical Piece, Claude Debussy, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Movement, Ragtime, Scott Joplin, Sonata, Waltz | 
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Beethoven and His Music
August 8th, 2009
Today I’m going to give a brief history lesson, because I believe that knowing about certain famous composers is essential for you to be considered a “well-rounded” pianist. For conservatory exams, music history is usually tested (at least in advanced levels as far as I know). I had to memorize the composers, the era they came from (classical, romantic, etc.) and explain the nature of their music and the piece that I was going to play. There are also exams based fully on music history. I have a friend who has her grade 10 piano and she recently went to write an exam exclusively on the topic of music history.
Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770 - 1827)
Ludwig Van Beethoven is one of the greatest pianists and composers of all time. Born in 1770, he contributed to the shaping and development of music in its universality. His father and grandfather were musicians, so it seemed best fit that Beethoven would follow this destiny as well. His talents had been evident since he was 4 years old.
Beethoven began studying the piano, organ, violin, and viola. He excelled greatly with the piano and organ. By the time he was 11 years old, the composer Christian Gotthof Neefe (organist and band master of the court) took Beethoven as his pupil. He helped broaden his background in music and also encouraged him to compose.
Still a young child, Beethoven became Neefe’s assistant at the organ. He also assisted in the Elector’s personal theatre orchestra and was later hired as a band master.
With the help of these experiences and assisting some other families, Beethoven was sent to study in Vienna. Only here was he first identified as a truly skilled pianist, and many saw the unusual musical power he possessed.
Beethoven’s musical creation can be divided into three separate periods of time. The first period includes Beethoven’s first twenty musical works. His minuet from the 1st Symphony and the Sonata for piano opera 10 no. 3 include a direct affective involvement and almost suggest sort of a romantic feeling.
The second period starts with the 3rd Symphony. At this time, Beethoven appears as an expert of musical form. He establishes his own rules during this period, and the form of the sonata indeed determined the musical evolution of all composers.
The third period implements the last five chords quartets. Piano sonatas “Diabelli Variations,” “Missa Solemnis,” and the 9th Symphony are all works that were written to justify Beethoven’s musical, artistic, and intellectual abilities, rather than for the purpose of sounding pleasurable to the human ear. These works appealed to several concepts and symbols.
Elise’s Musical Tip For The Day:
Beethoven’s music is interesting to listen to. I would suggest downloading or purchasing his symphonies and piano solos and listening to them whenever you can. Some are very beautiful and relaxing, while others are very out of the ordinary and really get you thinking about music. I suggest getting Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos
Posted in Famous Composers |
Tags: Beethoven, Composer, Famous Composer, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Pianist, Piano Concerto, Piano Opera, Sonata, Symphony |
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