Classical music is kind of creepy in a way. Honestly, with so many dead composers who have made an impact on society, and who led lives of drama, I’m surprised that I couldn’t find more composer ghost stories. The ghost of Erik Satie watches a performance of Gymnopédie No. 1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDm_P3mDIRo One day I was... Continue Reading →
It’s safe to say that people are experiencing classical music differently today than in the past. The internet has put music resources immediately at hand that would have been unthinkable even twenty years ago. I can search for a really obscure piece of classical music on YouTube or whatever, and chances are I’ll be able... Continue Reading →
Years ago, I stumbled on a website where a music lover had made a list of his or her favorite pieces for a variety of moods. That list encompassed all classical genres, and it was pretty comprehensive. Some of the associations led me to discover music that soon became some of my favorite. To show... Continue Reading →
Much of John Cage’s work pokes holes in concert traditions or basic art constructs. In 4’33” he turns the mirror on the audience so that instead of hearing music, they hear themselves. Today, 4’33” is traditionally viewed as the ultimate gimmick. A silent piece. A piece containing no “music.” You could argue that it’s not... Continue Reading →
In this two-part series, I’ll be exploring two pieces that some would classify as novelties, gimmicks, or jokes. Are they valid pieces of music? Are they beautiful? Let’s find out. Satie – Vexations Ah yes, Erik Satie. He of the green velvet suits and fondness for absinthe. You might know him as the composer of... Continue Reading →
When you’re searching for new rep to play or teach, it feels like hitting the jackpot when you find something that sounds harder than it actually is. These three examples all have personal connections for me, but I think the insights are widely applicable. You can find more of my unsolicited opinions in the previous... Continue Reading →
Hal Leonard Classical Piano Blog 