"Ooh, can you play FotB?" *Slap*

[Ashley_Steinway]

Grrr. You know when you proudly announce to a person or group of people, "Yes, I'm a pianist", and then someone will invariably ask if you can play Flight of the Bumblebee? Well, my conclusion is that I am going to appease them all, and just learn it, or at least some of it, and a very simple edition just shut them the hell up.

But, the question is, should we as musicians appease the musically illiterate in such a way? I mean, if it generates an interest that reaches beyond the usual FotB, Fur Elise, and "oh that Mozart thingy... what's it called?" and some other random utterances, surely that's a good thing? But then, should we simply respond to said question with a Rage-filled slap to the temple? 

Have any of you ever appeased the aformentioned type of people? Even undoubtedly with this very piece.

What are your thoughts? 

--Ash--

[xvimbi]

This has come up a few times on the forum, so search for it. However, having run into this situation many times before (both as someone who plays the piano and as someone who wanted to get someone else to play), there is an aspect to all this that bothers me tremendously:

Anybody who says s/he is pianist is of course inviting requests like "Play something!". That's only natural, because everyone wants to see their skills. But then, nothing is more embarrassing than to have to say "Well, I havent' really prepared anything". Answer "What is there to prepare? You are a pianist, can't you just sit down and play?". "Ahem, no."

This is the situation that many "pianists" find themselves in. They might have the skills to play Hammerklavier and La Campanella, but they can't sit down and play Happy Birthday at a spontaneous occasion. It has nothing to do with friends not knowing anything about making music or piano playing; it only demonstrates that the pianists know nothing about making music or piano playing! Think about it. It turns out that we are not musicians after all, and we can't "make music".

Most of us, to be quite frank, are more like machines. It seems that "pianists" nowadays can play only at very special occasions, namely competitions/exams/personal recitals. They study for a year or two for a recital, then start working on a new one. All the time, they can't play anything, because nothing is ready. A month into the preparation for a new recital, they can't play the Chopin Scherzo anymore, and the new material is far from being mastered.

What is all this good for? People need to ask themselves why they are playing the piano. Is it for their own and their friends' enjoyment and to enrich their personal life, or is it to be able to play a piece once a year for some exam? The answer will depend on one's personal goals, of course.

Of course, in the olden days, pianists were expected to just sit down and play anything and whatever the public requested. These skills are mainly non-existent these days, and it's a pity, because many people have the technical prowess, but unfortunately, they don't have the musicianship. I wish I could do it, and I always marvel at some kid in the store who on the spot improvises something. We need to admit it: without having something memorized or having the sheets in front of us, we are lost!

I hope this touched on some of the aspects that underly your original question. To answer your question more directly: Yes, sit down, learn some of those pieces, and you'll spare that embarrassment for the rest of your life.

[SteinwayTony]

Grrr. You know when you proudly announce to a person or group of people, "Yes, I'm a pianist", and then someone will invariably ask if you can play Flight of the Bumblebee? Well, my conclusion is that I am going to appease them all, and just learn it, or at least some of it, and a very simple edition just shut them the hell up.

But, the question is, should we as musicians appease the musically illiterate in such a way? I mean, if it generates an interest that reaches beyond the usual FotB, Fur Elise, and "oh that Mozart thingy... what's it called?" and some other random utterances, surely that's a good thing? But then, should we simply respond to said question with a Rage-filled slap to the temple? 

Have any of you ever appeased the aformentioned type of people? Even undoubtedly with this very piece.

What are your thoughts? 

--Ash--

Don't let the uneducated public dictate what you play, especially if it's something so unnecessarily difficult.  The Flight of the Bumblebee is just a transcription, and if I may say so, it's also not a very good one. 

So instead of taking the "yes, master" road, you can politely inform the next offender that "nobody actually plays that."  Because it's true.

[jazzyprof]

Grrr. You know when you proudly announce to a person or group of people, "Yes, I'm a pianist", and then someone will invariably ask if you can play Flight of the Bumblebee?

A possible answer:  "Well no, I don't know that piece.  Besides it's way overplayed.  But here's a lovely little passage from Opus Clavicembalisticum that you will simply adore."  Then you sit down and play some rippling arpeggios, bits and pieces from Czerny, toss in some crossed hands stuff, end with a thundering fortississimo...then wait for the applause.

[Glissando]

lol jazzyprofessor!
Hmmm well I don't memorize absolutely every piece I learn but I try to have at least 2 that I can play perfectly from memory and a few more that I know mostly so I can play for anyone anytime.
I also am trying to get good at sight reading so I can play even more stuff.
If I have my music with me, I can play about 4 different pieces perfectly and about 24 decently.
I don't understand the 'studying' approach to music, I mean WTH is it good for if no-one actually enjoys it? I mean isn't that the whole point of learning to play- to provide beautiful music for yourself and others to enjoy?!

[offenbach]

I agree with Xvimbi. Anyone who makes it known that he/she is a pianist is absolutely inviting request to play.  If one only plays for their own enjoyment, there really wouldn't be a need to play for others. However, most pianists I know, do enjoy performing...whether for a group of friends, recitals, exams, etc. Speaking for myself only.....I not only enjoy being asked to play (even a piece such as FOTB or FElise), but actually feel honored and flattered when I do, and a person or crowd responds warmly. That's my intent when I perform....to interpret in a way that I feel represents not only the composers intent, but to touch the listeners. I don't think I would EVER be offended in being asked to play a piece...no matter how overplayed. There is a reason some pieces are overplayed...they are enjoyed by many, even if true pianists get tired of them.

As far as Happy Birthday or songs such as these, I guess I've been fortunate enough to be able to pick these out within minutes....probably most pianists could play almost anything in the key of C if they had to within minutes. I don't mind this type of request either. I consider being asked to play a privledge and an honor, and take every opportunity I can get to do so.

On a final note...yes, I have pieces that "I" enjoy, and want to share as well. Many times after playing a piece that has been requested, I will follow up by stating that I have a particular piece that I enjoy, and would to share, get their opinion on, etc. I've never had anyone tell me "they didn't want to hear it", so I've always been able to share what I like as well. Either way, it's never been that big of a deal. The day that I actually feel offended by being asked to play a "overplayed piece" by someone that obviously actually HAS an interest IN piano music, and means well....will be the day I probably should stop playing. Just my thoughts.


O

[jon]

This has come up a few times on the forum, so search for it. However, having run into this situation many times before (both as someone who plays the piano and as someone who wanted to get someone else to play), there is an aspect to all this that bothers me tremendously:

Anybody who says s/he is pianist is of course inviting requests like "Play something!". That's only natural, because everyone wants to see their skills. But then, nothing is more embarrassing than to have to say "Well, I havent' really prepared anything". Answer "What is there to prepare? You are a pianist, can't you just sit down and play?". "Ahem, no."

This is the situation that many "pianists" find themselves in. They might have the skills to play Hammerklavier and La Campanella, but they can't sit down and play Happy Birthday at a spontaneous occasion. It has nothing to do with friends not knowing anything about making music or piano playing; it only demonstrates that the pianists know nothing about making music or piano playing! Think about it. It turns out that we are not musicians after all, and we can't "make music".

Most of us, to be quite frank, are more like machines. It seems that "pianists" nowadays can play only at very special occasions, namely competitions/exams/personal recitals. They study for a year or two for a recital, then start working on a new one. All the time, they can't play anything, because nothing is ready. A month into the preparation for a new recital, they can't play the Chopin Scherzo anymore, and the new material is far from being mastered.

What is all this good for? People need to ask themselves why they are playing the piano. Is it for their own and their friends' enjoyment and to enrich their personal life, or is it to be able to play a piece once a year for some exam? The answer will depend on one's personal goals, of course.

Of course, in the olden days, pianists were expected to just sit down and play anything and whatever the public requested. These skills are mainly non-existent these days, and it's a pity, because many people have the technical prowess, but unfortunately, they don't have the musicianship. I wish I could do it, and I always marvel at some kid in the store who on the spot improvises something. We need to admit it: without having something memorized or having the sheets in front of us, we are lost!

I hope this touched on some of the aspects that underly your original question. To answer your question more directly: Yes, sit down, learn some of those pieces, and you'll spare that embarrassment for the rest of your life.

  I have this problem of not keeping things in my repertoire.I can relearn them again and play them pretty good still but how is it possible to keep everything up in shape?Like you said I finish a piece and then start on a new one and then in a while I get rusty on it.If I am practicing around 2 or 3 advanced pieces how do I manage to keep up with all the old ones

[Brian Healey]

Someone will only suggest "Flight of the Bumblebee" or "Fur Elise" because they're probably not familiar with piano repertoire and can't think of anything else to request. That doesn't mean you have to play it. All the person wants is to see you play something, and if you play something more musically expressive than FotB, then I'm sure they'll be more than happy. You don't even have to admit that you don't know it most times. Just say something like "Well, why don't I play this instead" and then play something else. The person will usually forget all about FotB after hearing something much better.

Of course, it's always good to know certain "crowd pleasers" that people will instantly recognize. I play solo piano at a jazz bar every week, and if I had a dollar for every time someone requested "Linus and Lucy" or the "Cheers theme", I would be a very rich man. Actually, come to think of it, I've usually gotten at least a dollar in tips everytime I've played those tunes......wonder where that money went 

Peace,
Bri

[timothy42b]

Someone will only suggest "Flight of the Bumblebee" or "Fur Elise" because they're probably not familiar with piano repertoire and can't think of anything else to request. That doesn't mean you have to play it. All the person wants is to see you play something, and if you play something more musically expressive than FotB, then I'm sure they'll be more than happy.

<snip>

Peace,
Bri

Right, but there's a problem.  The general public does not want to hear deep profound music in the type of setting you generally get this kind of request at.  Neither do I, for that matter.

They want to hear a quick crowd pleaser - think Pops concert not Mahler Symphony. 

And the problem is, that the average serious to semi-serious musician has absolutely zero idea what would appeal to the crowd.  Nada, zilch, none.  It's not the way they think. 

Kenny G, on the other hand, has become filthy rich by knowing EXACTLY what will appeal to the crowd, and supplying it flawlessly.  (He has lots of detractors on the basis of musicianship.  The detractors are possibly right, but all of them put together don't equal his bank account.) 

You really should have one crowd pleasing showoff piece in the repertoire for these occasions.  I'm not sure what it should include.  Minute Waltz and Stars & Stripes Forever, for sure.  Probably add Maple Leaf and Entertainer and you're good to go.  Maybe a snatch of Eine Kleine Nachtmusik.  Or if you knew the first 8 bars of Rhapsody in Blue, and Toccata and Fugue in D minor, that would work. 

Other suggestions? 

[xvimbi]

I have this problem of not keeping things in my repertoire.I can relearn them again and play them pretty good still but how is it possible to keep everything up in shape?Like you said I finish a piece and then start on a new one and then in a while I get rusty on it.If I am practicing around 2 or 3 advanced pieces how do I manage to keep up with all the old ones

Well, yes, don't we all have that problem? However, because we have that problem I think there is something fundamentally wrong. Sure, it is very difficult to keep all those Beethoven sonatas fresh unless one constantly performs them. On the other hand, repertoire maintenance should be part of the daily practice routine. And also, the crowd pleasing pieces we are talking about are not that difficult to maintain.

Yet, for those more difficult pieces, what IS the point of learning them if we can't play them anymore after a couple of months? Is it to acquire certain techniques? Is it to be able to say "I've done that!"? Is it to perform them? Personal enrichment?

In the end, learning a piece often seems like doing exercises: one can acquire certain skills, but one can't DO anything with them.

[willcowskitz]

Although its true that the "average" person doesn't necessarily care for deep music when he asks pianist to "play something", we should also remember that its the pianist who is supposed to help the listener in understanding the music's content by playing it in a way that clarifies thought and helps the listener to approach the music. It is easy to throw oneself into arrogance and say that people don't understand, but it is also kind of an irresponsible trail of thought on longer run.

[allchopin]

Grrr. You know when you proudly announce to a person or group of people, "Yes, I'm a pianist", and then someone will invariably ask if you can play Flight of the Bumblebee? Well, my conclusion is that I am going to appease them all, and just learn it, or at least some of it, and a very simple edition just shut them the hell up.

What are your thoughts? 

Play that Bumblebee as horrendously as you possibly can and you'll never be asked to play again .

[Etude]

I must be pretty pessimistic, because when I saw the title of the thread, I immediately thought it would be about football. 

Anyway, If someone asks if you can play Flight of the Bumblebee, simply proceed to beat the hell out of the Cziffra transcription . 
That version is worth playing for them, even if they don't recognise it as FotB, they will certainly be astounded.

[Brian Healey]

Oddly, I play solo piano in various situations all the time, and I've never once been asked if I know FotB.

Something I like to do whenever I get asked to play similar cheesy pieces, is say "How does that go again? Hum a little for me...." Then I pretend that I'm picking it up by ear just from the guy singing it, as if I was that good (or as if his/her humming was that good). Even though I already know the piece, it looks more impressive when it appears as though I'm picking it up out of thin air. Might as well have fun with it, I say 


Keep your stick on the ice,
Bri

[liszt1022]

if you're looking for something new to bring to FotB, I have a left-hand arrangement of it. It's tough to get very fast, but even if you play it slow it'd impress those who ask for it.

[chromatickler]

if you're looking for something new to bring to FotB, I have a left-hand arrangement of it. It's tough to get very fast, but even if you play it slow it'd impress those who ask for it.

u mean lyk this?

https://chopinforum.com/~mazeppa/da_random_vid.mpg

 

[brewtality]

essential viewing 

[jlh]

Except it's not FotB...

That's one reason I don't like uprights... hard to hear all the notes in a fast piece.

[liszt1022]

u mean lyk this?

https://chopinforum.com/~mazeppa/da_random_vid.mpg

 

This computer doesn't have speakers. What is the piece?

Also, it's my own arrangement, but I've never played it in public for fear of people thinking I did it for showing off. It was just sort of an arranging experiment.

[pianowelsh]

Definately don't apease! PROVOKE! play them some Rautavaara or Henry Cowell or something - challenge DULL preconcieved Ideas about what a pianist does!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - what do they do? Dough!

[alvaro_galvez]

Man, you guys are thinking too hard. Heres a thought, you know Maroon 5? Learn the chord progreesion in "This Love" and watch all the ladies lose their clothes (no offense to the female readers BTW  ).
I mean, its just to get them off your back in an easy and impressive way. Your friends will  be impressed with pieces that make "your fingers move real fast" but watch their jaws drop when you play something extremely popular that everyone knows, thats the ticket.

[puma]

If you're thinking about performing for $$$, crowd pleasers are a must.  Even one great crowd pleaser, like Fotb, will helpe ease the crowd into listening to your other stuff.  Cheers theme, Linus & Lucy, Fur Elise - all songs worth learning if you want to make the bucks.  Throw in a piece from the "Pianist" and you're set! 
Jazz can be trickier - it all depends on what kind of crowd you're playing for.  I could know every single piece from Thelonious Monk, but then someone would say "How about some Art Tatum?  What about Miles Davis and his arrangments?"  Duke Ellington has definite crowd pleasers too.
And what's wrong with playing crowd pleasers?  The reason they're crowd pleasers means that they're good pieces in the first piece - perhaps they are just overplayed.  In any case, it depends on what you want to do with your music, who you're playing for, if you're playing for yourself or for $$$ publicly, etc.