I want to learn a new piece - asking for suggestions!

[drexo]

Hello everyone,


I've been less active regarding playing the piano for around 2 years, but luckily I've picked up again a few months back. I've relearned some of my old repertoire and right now I'm filled with motivation to learn some new pieces.

I'm looking for pieces which aren't too difficult technically wise. My music taste ranges pretty wide and it doesn't have to be classical music per se. I am looking for a somewhat less popular - yet "catchy" melody. Let me give you some random examples:

So every suggestion is welcome! Classical, movie music, game music etc... Bring it on!


Thanks in advance,
Drexo.

[49410enrique]

this arrangement by V. Lo is really good, normally i'm a bit of a snob when it comes to the modern Japanese media music (I prefer authentic Japanese scores) but his treatment of this music is really quite good.

it has enough of a 'classical' flavor to it but distinctly modern almost game/movie soundtrack like so it almost fits the bill of all three of your categories, melody is hauntingly beautiful (the anime it is from is almost a work of art and one of the best in the genre).

score and video. enjoy. if you learn it, post it in the audition room this kind of music should be listened to more often by trained ears.

[drexo]

Many thanks for your suggestion 49410enrique!

I just listened the piece and looked at the score - it seems very interesting to me! I really like the arpeggio kinda part, which definitely gives some edge to it overall. I would love to add some rubato to this melody too.

If you have more suggestions, please post them! I'm always interested listening to these kind of pieces which I've never heard of.

[49410enrique]

Many thanks for your suggestion 49410enrique!

I just listened the piece and looked at the score - it seems very interesting to me! I really like the arpeggio kinda part, which definitely gives some edge to it overall. I would love to add some rubato to this melody too.

If you have more suggestions, please post them! I'm always interested listening to these kind of pieces which I've never heard of.

you're welcome. I'll try and think up something else here soon and respond again.

yeah the vido i posted is just to give you a rough picture of how the piece sounds, interpretation will definately require you to plan and rubato could be effective if done appropriately.

this video is from the ost and a good rerference since you get the 'full effect' with the singing. you'll want to make sure you have a full (thought not harsh) tone in the melody to really project the line above the different layers of 'accompanyment'

this one is from a movie, there are 'original' scores but that is copyrighted (and it is for violin and piano), still this is a very nice arrangement, main theme from schindler's list, again a sad/bittersweet melody that just pulls at my heart everytime i hear it.

[drexo]

Many thanks for your reply again 49410enrique - much appreciated!

Ah, good to hear the OST version. This gives me a better idea of the piece overall indeed!

Schindler's List is also a great suggestion - it is already in my repertoire, hehe! I love to play this piece in public and it is such a marvelous melancholic melody.

[49410enrique]

this has a catchy and 'singy' melody. i love this performance becuae the video is so well done with the view you have of her and her hands. she's so much fun to watch.  you'll need to give her about 45 seconds (introduces the work and talks about it a bit) but once she gets into it you see it was worth the wait.  i can close my eyes and see Satie in his element, some smokey  Paris cafe, Satie playing his, the hustle and bustle of the business in the background, a few patrons humming and singing along while they enjoy a croissant an/or some wine...

this one too, Brahms Intermezzo Op 18 No 6, such a pertty melody, sweet with a hint of sorrow/melancholy at times:

[drexo]

Thank you very much again for the suggestions 49410enrique! Much appreciated.

I like both pieces and the videos are indeed a pleasure to watch! I do think both pieces are a bit out of my league - from a technical perspective. Though, it's always nice to hear something new nonetheless (new to me, that is).

I'm learning the Lilium piece atm and it's a fun piece to play! If you have anything more which might interest me - keep 'm coming..

[lmpianist]

I'm learning the Lilium piece atm and it's a fun piece to play!

That's an interesting choice.  I'll have to read through the score myself - I've always loved this song.  If you ever play it in public, though, expect to be mobbed by anime fanboys/fangirls. 

[chris30]

Try Vespers song from James Bond Casino Royale movie soundtrack, it has a beautiful melody, or River Waltz from The Painted Veil. Am a big fan of movie sountracks.

[49410enrique]

Try Vespers song from James Bond Casino Royale movie soundtrack, it has a beautiful melody, or River Waltz from The Painted Veil. Am a big fan of movie sountracks.

this is very nice, youtube video demo below.  

legal speak: the attached score if puzzles me cover looks "home made", it looks nothing like the currently published book from hal leonard nor have i heard of this single work released as a single piece excerpt my guess is that this is one of those rare 100% accurate fan transcriptions which i believe skirt copyright rules (a careful study of the score doesn't show any copyright marks), interestingly it's autographed by the composer which again maybe it was a fan deal, my honest apology if this violates any rules, i can take down promptly if it causes issues.
11 - Battlestar Sonatica

[drexo]

Many thanks for the suggestions chris30 and 49410enrique!

I'm listening to Vesper right now and it sounds really interesting - wonderful emotional melody! This sure has potentional for me to give a try. I will listen to Battlestar Sonatica after this one.

[49410enrique]

Many thanks for the suggestions chris30 and 49410enrique!

I'm listening to Vesper right now and it sounds really interesting - wonderful emotional melody! This sure has potentional for me to give a try. I will listen to Battlestar Sonatica after this one.

just found this in my archives, i forgot i had it. pretty good arrangement, i really like the harmonic language in this.