June 4-June 10: Magical Music

1) S. Rachmaninoff, Prelude in C-sharp minor Op. 3 no. 2

While Classical Music is often associated with soothing relaxation, it can also be electrifying and earth shaking!  This is one of Rachmaninoff's most famous pieces, also known as "The Bells of Moscow".  I've included a version where it is played on electric guitar and transforms into a rock song.

Questions

This piece is filled with chords, creating a thick texture and powerful sound.  In the final section when the main theme returns, the music is written on 4 staves to accommodate the amount of notes and huge range!

  • In the final section, how many notes do you think are played in each chord?
  • How can you produce a powerful sound on the piano?
 

2) Hedwig's Theme from Harry Potter

Harry Potter music is back by popular demand!  The music we hear in movies is often played by orchestras.  Watch each instrument perform its magic, each with it's own tone and colour!

Questions

  • Do you recognize any of the instruments?
  • Each instrument has its own unique sound.  Which instruments did you like?

May 28-June 3: Little Red Riding Hood and Bach

1) J.S. Bach, Cello Suite No. 1, Prelude

This piece has a monophonic texture which is unlike any of the pieces we have heard this year.  There is only a single line throughout the entire piece with no accompanying chords!  However, different layers can still be heard - a result of compositional genius, brought to life by an insightful performer.  Bach did not only achieve this once - he wrote six Cello Suites, each consisting of 6 movements.  This is only the first movement of the first suite!

2) S. Rachmaninoff, Etude Tableaux, Op. 39 No. 6 "Little Red Riding Hood"

Rachmaninoff wrote 2 sets of Etude Tableaux (picture study)which was music inspired by visuals. However, he did not reveal what exactly inspired each one.  Rachmaninoff believed the listener should paint their own images of what the music suggests and said, "I do not believe in the artist that discloses too much of his images."

Questions

  • What image does each piece of music paint in your head?

May 21-May 27: Midnight Moonlight Mood ☽

☾ The theme of this week's pieces are moonlight ☽

1) L. Beethoven, "Moonlight" Sonata, Op. 27 no. 2

Beethoven's 14th piano sonata consists of 3 movements.  The name, "Moonlight Sonata", comes from the 1st movement but was not given by the composer himself.  This is the most popular movement and the one we will be focusing on for this listening activity.  I've included a recording with the famous 1st movement and a recording of the complete sonata.  I encourage everyone to listen to the entire piece as this is how it is meant to be performed - the other movements of the sonata are a huge contrast to the first, with a joyful 2nd movement and a stormy, turbulent 3rd movement.

 

2) C. Debussy, Clair de Lune (Moonlight)

The name of this piece comes from a poem it was inspired by, Clair de Lune, by Paul Verlaine in 1869.  The style here is very different from the previous one - Debussy was a composer of the Impressionistic period, hundreds of years after Beethoven.  It remains a popular piece to this day and has been featured in films, commercials, and more.  There is even an extended repeat version on YouTube which lasts for almost an hour and has close to 15 million views!  I've included 2 versions (including this extended version) for your enjoyment.

Questions

  • What are some things that inspire you?
  • Do these pieces sound like moonlight to you?  If so, what parts and why?
  • If you could rename these pieces, what would you name it?
  • How are the styles of these two pieces different from each other?

May 14-May 20: Mother Goose Suite

M. Ravel, Ma mère l'oye (Mother Goose Suite)

Maurice Ravel was a French pianist, composer and conductor.  This piece was originally written as a duet on two pianos but has also been transcribed for orchestra.  Both versions are included below.  This piece consists of five movements:


I. Pavane of Sleeping Beauty

II. Little Tom Thumb / Hop o' My Thumb (2:00)

III. Little Ugly Girl, Empress of the Pagodas (5:40)

IV. Conversation of Beauty and the Beast (9:25)

V. The Fairy Garden (13:50)

Questions

  • Can you identify the type of scale being used in the 3rd movement?  Can you play it on the piano?
  • Share your thoughts about one movement of your choice.

May 7-May 13: The Music of Brahms

1) J. Brahms, Intermezzo Op. 118, no. 2

Johannes Brahms was a German composer in the Romantic era.  This piece is the second in a set of six which was dedicated to Clara Schumann, a musician and composer who he had a complicated relationship with.

Questions

  • How would you describe the mood/feelings in this piece?  Come up with at least 3 different words.
 

2) J. Brahms, Wiegenlied/Lullaby, Op. 49, no. 4

Many popular melodies we are familiar with have lived hundreds of years and are the creation of great composers.  This piece needs no introduction - it may have even been one of the first melodies you have ever heard!

Questions

  • How does this piece make you feel?  What is it in the music that creates these feelings?

April 30-May 6: The Carnival of the Animals

C. Saint-Saens, Le carnaval des animaux (The Carnival of the Animals)

This work is written for 2 pianos, 2 violins, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, glass harmonica and xylophone.  It consists of 14 movements with many different animals, performances around 20 minutes in length.  Watch the video directly on YouTube to view the description with timestamps to each separate movement/animal.

Questions

  • Which 2 animals were your favourite?
  • Do you think the music sounded like this animal?  Why or why not?
  • Think about what the title of your piece is and how you can play the music to fit what the title suggests.  Share your thoughts at the next lesson!

April 23: Jazz & Ragtime

There are many different styles of music, from pop music on the radio to Classical music composed hundreds of years ago.  Enjoy the following styles of jazz and ragtime - you may heard these pieces before!

1) D. Brubeck, Take Five

An aunique aspect of the piano is that it can stand alone - almost every other instrument must play with other instruments for harmonic support.  This is because they can play only a single line - one note at a time.  Often, you will see these instruments must be accompanied by a piano!  For example, the cello and violin in last week's listening activity.

Take five and listen to the top selling jazz piece ever - I've included the original with saxophone and drums as well as a piano arrangement.

 

2) L.V. Beethoven, Fur Elise, arranged by Ethan Uslan

We recently heard this piece in a listening activity, Looking Into The Future.  Listen to the same piece played in a ragtime style - it starts out as the original, then shifts into a totally different character!  I've included The Entertainer as a bonus piece.

There are many other popular ragtime pieces you will likely recognize, such as The Entertainer and Maple Leaf Rag, which I encourage you to look up.  You can even find ragtime versions of popular songs from Star Wars songs to the theme of classic game, Tetris, to jazz + ragtime arrangements! If you enjoy this style, you can look into the composer, Scott Joplin, also known as "The King of Ragtime", for more.

Music begins at 32 seconds

Questions

  • Have you heard any of these pieces before?  If so, can you recall where?
  • List some elements or style features you feel distinguishes and defines these different styles of music.  It may help to listen to several examples, especially in ragtime.

April 16th: Encores

The dazzling Flight of the Bumblebee has been a favourite of the year.  Here are 2 more encores played by Yuja Wang.

1) W.A. Mozart, Turkish March (Piano Sonata no. 11, K. 311)

You may have heard this famous Mozart melody from one of his piano sonatas.  The first video is the theme played by violin.  The second video is a virtuosic arrangement where you can hear bits of jazz, twinkling trills like those in La Campanella, and of course alternating hands like in Flight of the Bumblebee.

Questions

  • Which part of the encore did you like the most?

 

2) Gluck, Melodie from Orfeo ed Euridice

This piece pairs beautifully with the previous one to emphasize that music does not need to be loud and fast to be captivating.  A simple, poetic piece played well can be the most hypnotic of all.  As a performer and a student, it is important to explore this wide range - there is lots to learn in every type of music!  Enjoy the magical moments of this melody from a Gluck opera.  Also included is a performance on the cello!

Music starts at 40 seconds

Questions

  • Each instrument (violin, piano, cello) has a different tone colour.  Did you have a favourite in this week's activity?  What was it about the instrument that made you enjoy the music more?

 

  • We have heard a huge variety of music in listening activities, rehearsals, recitals etc.  Do you have any favourite pieces you have heard or played?   What makes it stand out in your head?

April 9: Popular Tunes

Peter Bence does many exciting and entertaining covers of popular music on his YouTube channel.  Enjoy these 2 pieces!

1) Michael Jackson, Bad

 

2) Star Wars Medley

Questions

  • What was your favourite part of each piece?

April 2nd: Rock with Rachmaninoff

In honour of Sergei Rachmaninoff's birthday (born April 1st, 1873) this week's listening will feature 2 of his compositions!

1) S. Rachmaninoff/Igor Roma, Italian Polka

A theme by Rachmaninoff arranged by Igor Roma for duet.  Enjoy the fun 4 hands performance!

  • Would you like to play a duet in the future?  Why or why not?
  • Coordinating your playing with another person is no easy task!  What are some important things to keep in mind if you were to play a duet?

 

2) S. Rachmaninoff, Moments Musicaux, op. 16 no. 4 Presto

The piano developed and grew dramatically through history.  One of the changes this allowed was music with a much wider dynamic range - something Rachmaninoff clearly made use of, moving to from FFF to pp (pianissimo) in only 2 bars.  Enjoy this exciting rollercoaster ride!

 

  • Can you find how many "p's" are in the quietest piano spots?  How many "F's" are in the biggest forte?

March 26th: The Seasons

Musical inspiration can be found anywhere in life, even just the seasons!  "Classical Music" is an umbrella term which covers many different style eras.  Vivaldi and Tchaikovsky lived 100 years apart - musical writing style developed greatly over this time.  See if you can spot any differences in the basic elements of music such as the rhythm and the melodic shape.

 

1) A. Vivaldi, Spring from The Four Seasons

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons consists of 4 concerti for the 4 seasons of the year.  A concerto is a piece written for a soloist and orchestra.  Often when you see a pianist with an orchestra, they are performing a concerto!  This is a violin concerto and there is no piano in the music!

 

2) P. Tchaikovsky, June from The Seasons

Tchaikovsky's The Seasons consists of 12 pieces for every month of the year.  June is a popular piece which you can find being played by other instruments!  I particularly enjoy orchestral arrangements of this piece.

Questions

  • Name some differences in the style of each piece.  Think of the basic elements that make up music (rhythm and melodic shape/the shape of the melody)
  • Can you name any other elements of music?
  • What name would you give to these different styles?  There is an actual name for the style period of these composers.  Find out at your next lesson!

March 19th: Looking Into The Future

I like to think of listening as looking into the future - the music we look up to and admire may be the notes we play in a few short years.  Here are a few favourites walking through the RCM (Royal Conservatory of Music) levels.

There is wonderful music to be learned in every style at every level.  Reaching a high level of skill is a combination of hard work and lots of time but there is beautiful music on each stepping stone to improvement.

1) Melody Bober, Sneaky Sam (RCM Prep B)

  • What do you think makes Sam sound sneaky in this piece?

 

2) Y. Nakada, The Song of Twilight (RCM Level 3)

  • Imagine drawing a picture to this piece of music.  What scene would it be?  What are some colours you would use?

 

3) L. Beethoven, Fur Elise (RCM Level 7)

  • The main theme is a popular melody you may have heard before but the middle section is not as well known.  Have you ever heard the middle sections of this piece before?
  • Do you like the other sections?  How do you think it adds to the piece?

March 5th: Fun with Franz - Lyrical Lisztening

Franz Liszt was a rockstar - a showman and a virtuoso.  He revolutionized piano performance and is the reason we perform from memory today.  Reaching levels of fame comparable to modern day rockstars, he was often depicted in concert with swooning fans and snapping strings.  

This week's listening features 2 pieces from the composer.

1) F. Liszt - Liebestraum no. 3

The title translates into "Love Dream".  This is the 3rd and most famous piece of a set of 3, based off a set of poems.  The term for music which is based off a specific image, object or person, etc. is "program music".

 

Questions

  • The main theme returns differently several times, from the opening statement, transforming into the luscious and grand climax.  Which version of the theme was your favourite and why?

 

2) F. Liszt - Un Sospiro from Trois études de concert

Liszt's composition often showcases the virtuosity of performer - thundering forte, flashy hand crossing, and flourishing runs, just to name a few.  If you didn't notice the runs in the previous piece, you certainly will in Un Sospiro.  In addition, the opening is written to have hands crossing on each melody note (on 3 staves).

This world class pianist is actually from Calgary!

Questions

  • The 2 pianists take on quite different tempos.  Which performance do you prefer and why?

 

February 26th: Sublime Schubert & Overzealous Orff

This week's listening activity will not feature any piano!

1) F. Schubert, Ave Maria, performed by world renowned violinist Joshua Bell.

Franz Schubert was an Austrian born Romantic era composer known for his beautiful songs called lieder. This song, Ave Maria, has been transcribed for many different instruments and even orchestra. This is a very beautiful rendition of the song.

Questions

  • What is something the violin is capable of that the piano is not?  Is there anything a string instrument can do that a piano can not?

 

2) Carl Orff - O Fortuna

A favourite among classical and non-classical music listeners - you may have heard this in movies, commercials or other advertisements before.  It is very intense!

Questions

  • What do you imagine when you listen to the piece?
  • Can you picture a story that goes along with the music as it changes?  Be sure to listen to the entire piece as there are changes throughout.

This listening activity is brought to you courtesy of Carlo Santos

February 12th: Truly Astounding Animals & A Tribute to Alberta

Compositions by my teacher, Peter Rudzik. Performances by his students.

1) P. Rudzik, Busy Woodpecker from Truly Astounding Animals

This piece is from a set of 12, exploring various characters and moods of different Truly Astounding Animals.  Other Truly Astounding Animals include: Thoughtful Rhino, Whale Song, Dancing Penguins, and more.

February 2016 Student Recital

Questions

  • What do you think makes this sound like a woodpecker?
  • Can you tell when the melody switches hands?  How do change the way you play the music when this happens?

 

2) P. Rudzik, New Day Toccata from Wild Rose Suite

A piece from the Wild Rose Suite: a musical tribute to the composer's adopted home, Alberta, Canada, whose official symbol is the wild rose.  Other pieces in this suite include: Hot Springs, Rocky Mountain Variations, Oil Sands, and more.

Questions

  • Can you make up a story that goes along with the music?  This might help you with the next question!
  • How would you describe the mood of this piece?  Try to use at least 3 different words.

February 5th: Nocturne and Scarlatti

1) F. Chopin, Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9 no. 2

A nocturne is a piece evocative of night.  The Nocturne was popularized by Chopin but was actually invented by Irish composer, John Field.  Chopin was inspired by the Composer, Bellini, and the "bel canto" (beautiful singing) style of Italian Opera.  Listen to the crystal clear operatic melody singing over a lightly floating left hand.  This nocturne is a popular favourite you might have heard before.  The musicality - the singing clarity of Chopin's music comes as the biggest challenge - after being able to play all of the right notes!

Questions

  • There are many notes but the melody is clear throughout.  In your own playing, how can you make a  certain part of of your music stand out over other parts?

 

2) D. Scarlatti, Sonata in D minor, K 141

Flying fingers, leaps and jumps are often viewed as difficult & dazzling; however, staying in one spot, playing fast repeated notes with great clarity is difficult & dazzling as well - just try this on your own piano!  This piece is from the Baroque period - a time where the modern day piano did not exist.  Keyboard instruments in this time included the harpsichord and clavichord which function and sound very different from the pianos you play today.  You can actually see some of these instruments in the National Music Centre right here in Calgary!

Questions

  • Set your metronome at 100 and try playing as many repeated notes as you can in 1 beat.  How many notes can you play clearly?
  • Do you notice any technique the pianist is using to play fast repeated notes? (Hint: look at close ups of the hands)
  • Try playing repeated notes again with this technique.  How many repeated notes can you play now?

January 29th: Journey Through Space and Magic

To change things up, this week's pieces are movie themes - one about space and one about magic.

1) Hans Zimmer, Theme from Interstellar arranged by Patrick Pietschmann

Hanz Zimmer is known for his minimalist compositional style with simple melodies and a repeating motive called an ostinato. His music is more focused on evoking a mood or imagery rather than having a defined melody. It's very different from John Williams' music, which is much more thematic. It's why everyone can hum a tune from Star Wars or Jurassic Park but it's harder to remember a tune by Hans Zimmer. 

Questions

  • What did you like about the piece and why?
  • What images come to mind?
  • Can you hum the melody that you hear?

 

2) John Williams, Harry Potter Theme arranged by Jarrod Radnich

John Williams was also the composer of music from Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones and E.T. to name a few films. He is known for his catchy melodies and intricate orchestration, following the style from Western Classical (European) music. This is a tasteful, intricate, and beautiful arrangement of various Harry Potter themes for solo piano. It's sure to dazzle! 

Questions:

  • What did you enjoy about the piece and why?
  • Can you hear when the melody switches between the LH and RH? How many times does it switch hands? 

 

  • Which of the two pieces did you enjoy more and why?
  • Would you like to learn one of these pieces in the future? Which one?

This listening activity is brought to you courtesy of Carlo Santos

January 22nd: The Little Bell & an Arabesque

1) F. Liszt, La Campanella "The Little Bell" from Grandes études de Paganini

Another composer who brought the etude to the concert stage - Franz Liszt.  A pianist of unparalleled virtuosity,  Liszt's composition certainly reflects his incredible technique.  There are even more notes than you can hear.  Try to follow along with the notes - it can be a dizzying sight!

Questions

  • What is an etude?
  • What technical challenges do you think this etude focuses on? (Hint: take a look at the music notes)

 

2) Claude Debussy - Arabesque no. 1

A much more serene piece, but much like the previous one, there are many 'hidden' notes.  This is the fact with most good piano playing - a melody that must stand out crystal clear though all the other notes.  Advanced students might recognize the polyrhythm of triplets playing against eighth notes.

Questions

  • What images come to mind after listening to this piece?
  • For advanced students: Can you tap the 3 against 2?  Try tapping triplets with one hand while tapping eighth notes with the other.

January 15th: Aeolian Harp and Buzzing Bees

1) F. Chopin, "Aeolian Harp" Etude op. 25 no. 1

An etude (French word for "study") is written to focus on specific technical challenges.  Chopin was a composer who elevated the etude from an exercise to a piece fit for the concert stage!  Some became so popular they were given nicknames but "Aeolian Harp" does not come from the composer himself.

Questions

  • What technical challenges do you think this etude focuses on? (Hint: watch the version with the music notes)
  • How would you describe the mood of this piece?  What feelings does it give you?

 

2) Rimsky-Korsakov - Flight of the Bumblebee

This is a popular piece you may have heard before - as the title suggests, it's a whirlwhind of notes that are to evoke the buzzing of bees.  The first link is of a "simple" arrangement by S. Rachmaninoff.  The second link is like a whole swarm of angry bees by Georges Cziffra, played by Yuja Wang.

Questions

  • Which version did you prefer and why?
  • What kind of unique scale does this piece use?

I had the pleasure of meeting pianist, Yuja Wang (October 2015) at the Bella Concert Hall after a thrilling performance with 5 encores.

Click to enlarge

Introducing Weekly Listening Activities

Explore music beyond current practice pieces and learn by observation.  An initiative to expose students to a wider variety of music - to spark inspiration, imagination and cultivate a better understanding of genres in the musical world.

Listening is a necessary learning tool in creating the music we desire.  Listening calls concentration to our creation.  It acts as the road map guiding our practice and also the plane that allows us to explore a world unknown.  A vast variety of musical gems remain undiscovered simply because they are not played on mainstream media.  Our most loved pieces often come by recommendation.  This has aided my knowledge and growth in music tremendously.  It has also fueled my passion for music and instilled a newfound inspiration in my practice many times.

Weekly Listening Activities

  • Short selection of pieces to listen to during the week (not only Classical)
  • A few questions for reflection and brief discussion in the following lesson

Active listening is essential – undivided attention allows the listener to hear how phrasing, articulation, and other musical devices come together in unity.  Much like watching a sports game to see how players move and carry out a play, learning by observation is just one more way to gain a better understanding of an art, craft, or anything for that matter.

Before your next lesson, take  a First Look: Prelude & a Snow Piece

Activities begin January 15th

I understand this requires time and music education is not be the sole activity of most students.  Active listening can be a part of your week without taking up much, if any additional time.

Suggestions to integrate Active Listening into a busy schedule:

  • Directly before lesson (while waiting) to settle down
  • In the car on the way to school, sports, etc.
  • During a meal or snack time
  • While doing chores
  • Before or after practicing at the piano
  • Before or after a bedtime story/activity
  • Before playtime on a tablet/phone - listen first, then carry on with free time

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.

I appreciate any input and would be glad to have a discussion around this.