Classical Music

[sunshine_keys]

I really do not like playing classical music, but since I've joined PS.com I've noticed that all the pianist think it's great to play classical music. So I was wondering what/if there are some classical pieces that would be about level 4-5?

Thanks!

[werq34ac]

Personally I feel you don't get into the fun stuff until AT LEAST grade 7. Though there are exceptions.

Listen to Rachmaninoff's 2nd piano concerto and see if you change your mind about classical music.

As for why we love playing classical, there's so much more to learn about life in general in playing works from geniuses rather than simple pieces with no real musical value.

[aintgotnorhythm]

First of all, don't listen to people who tell you what you play is simple and of no musical value.

I understand totally where you are coming from. For many years I only listened to pop music and couldn't get into classical music at all. To be honest, this only changed for me once I had kids of my own - they were in their school orchestras and I started taking them to classical concerts by the nearest major orchestra. Some of the music I heard just blew me away. My pop collection is now gathering dust.

I think it is a very personal thing as to what repertoire works for each person, but I would say try listening to classical music from different periods, and try concentrating on each piece a few times before giving up on it. Put on a classical radio station. Go to classical concerts in your neighbourhood.

On the piano I would try out some of the most popular pieces such as Beethoven Moonlight Sonata 1st movement, Chopin minute waltz, Debussy Claire de Lune and so on. Try some Bach too - I especially used to dislike anything from the Baroque era but now I would take some persuading that Bach's Sinfonia No. 6 in E major, BWV 792 is not the best 2-page long piece ever composed! I am convinced that you will find something that strikes a chord.

[sunshine_keys]

Thanks you guys for responding!

@the first poster, I like pushing myself.. I'm always getting things that are above my level and playing them.. so if it's not too crazy hard then I might be able to play it.

@second poster, thank you, it's great to hear that from someone else! I know there are many great pianists out there that don't play classical. I have played the easier versions of Moonlight Sonata, Jesu Joy of Mans Desiring, and several others that I can't think of right now.

[werq34ac]

Take a look at Traumerei by Schumann, the notes are quite simple, but it still maintains its place in the heart of every pianist.

[sunshine_keys]

Okay thanks! I am borrowing a book from a friend.. "Simply Classic" arranged by Margaret Goldston. It's like Intermediate level and I was pretty much able to sight read all of it.

[fleetfingers]

You should learn a Sonatina! There are plenty of great ones by Clementi. Schumann Album for the Young is nice, too. You can play what you want, of course; but, to understand what people love about classical piano, try playing the real stuff...no simplified arrangements. There is great classical music to be found at every level. I hope you find something you love!