The Wonderful World of Piano Music

An Enncrave compilation –

With its vast dynamic range and expressive capabilities, the piano has captivated audiences and inspired composers for centuries. From the intimate salon to the grand concert hall, piano music has played a central role in classical, jazz, and popular genres, offering a seemingly endless world of sonic exploration.
The “wonderful world” of piano music lies in its incredible diversity and ability to evoke a vast spectrum of human emotions. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate counterpoint of Bach, the elegant melodies of Mozart, the dramatic power of Beethoven, the poetic lyricism of Chopin, the breathtaking virtuosity of Liszt, or the evocative soundscapes of Debussy, there is an endless journey to discover.
Beyond classical music, the piano is a fundamental instrument in jazz, from ragtime to stride, bebop, and modern jazz. It’s also a staple in popular music across genres, from rock and roll to pop ballads and R&B.
For both listeners and players, the piano offers a deeply rewarding experience and a connection to a rich history of musical expression that continues to evolve and inspire.

https://www.youtube.com/@AlmaDeutscher/featured

Alma Deutscher is an extraordinary British composer, pianist, violinist, and conductor, widely recognized as a former child prodigy.
Alma Deutscher’s remarkable abilities as a multi-talented musician and composer continue to fascinate and inspire audiences worldwide, positioning her as a significant figure in the future of classical music.

https://www.youtube.com/@MargaritaSipatova/videos

Margarita Sipatova is a highly accomplished and influential pianist and social media personality from Russia. She is known for her unique blend of classical training and contemporary music, particularly rock. 
Here’s a summary of her background and achievements: 
* Early Musical Journey: Margarita began playing the piano at the young age of three, inspired by her grandfather and early mentors. 
* Classical Training: She is a laureate of the Moscow State Conservatory, where she studied as both a classical pianist and an opera singer. This classical foundation provides the technical skill and musicality evident in her performances. 
* Awards and Recognition: She was notably named “TikTok Pianist of the Year” at the 2023 Pianote Awards, a testament to her impact and reach on social media. 

https://www.youtube.com/@LolaAstanova/videos

Lola Astanova is a Russian-American pianist who has gained significant recognition for her exceptional classical piano skills and her distinctive, glamorous public image.
Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (then part of the USSR), Lola Astanova began playing piano at a very young age. She received elite classical training, including studies at the V. Uspensky Specialized School of Music for Gifted Children and lessons with Professor Lev Naumov at the Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory. Naumov himself described her pianism as “rare and truly ingenious.” She started touring as a concert pianist at the age of eight and was a laureate at the 1996 International Chopin Competition for Young Pianists in Moscow.

https://www.youtube.com/@classicaloasis/videos

https://www.youtube.com/@langlang/videos

It’s certainly a well-known phenomenon that Lang Lang’s performances often leave audiences, including celebrities, deeply impressed and emotionally moved. He has a unique ability to connect with listeners, and his charisma and technical prowess on the piano are widely recognized.

Performed by Hana Hashem on the keyboard Yamaha p125 and the sound is recorded using the amazing VST Garritan CFX Grand. https://www.youtube.com/@Hana_Piano94/videos

00:00 Nocturne Op.9 No.2 (in E Flat Major) 4:35 Nocturne in C Sharp Minor (No.20) / Nocturne cis-moll 8:55 Fantasie Impromptu (Op.66) 13:55 Nocturne Op.9 No.1 20:07 Waltz in A Minor

FEATURING PIANO CHILD PRODIGY, ALMA DEUTSCHER

Alma Deutscher was playing piano and violin by the time she was 3 years old and wrote her first opera at 10. For her, making music seems as natural as breathing.

“A young talent’s sensational burst to prominence… The once-in-a-lifetime opera-going event that had audiences standing and cheering.” Opera Today. ​“An opera of astounding wit, craft, and musical beauty… A smart producer would mount Cinderella on Broadway. In addition to its comedic force, its score puts recent musicals to shame” The New Criterion.

00:00 Overture 08:14 ACT I. Scene 1: Cinderella: “Note after Note” 10:56 Cinderella’s song: “Up in the Sky” 20:30 Scene 2: King and Minister 23:19 Duet: “My son I love you dearly” (King, Prince) 30:24 Scene 3 Prince and Fairy (later Cinderella) 39:58 Scene 4: Stepsisters, Stepmother, Royal Minister 42:28 Trio “The Prince is giving a dance” (Stepsisters and stepmother) 50:40 Cinderella composes the Prince’s poem 55:00 Scene 5: “What shall I do with her?” (Stepmother) 58:08 Duet: “I dreamed a lovely vision” (Cinderella and Stepmother) 1:02:26 ACT II. Scene 6. Duet: “I’m the model of perfection.” (Stepsisters) 1:07:28 Scene 7. Ballad: “When the day falls into Darkness” (Cinderella) 1:13:06 Scene 8. Duet: “Darkness is falling” (Prince, King) 1:17:53 Scene 9. Fairy and Cinderella 1:19:33 Duet and children’s chorus: “The Star of Hope” (Fairy, Cinderella, Elves)

00:00 ACT III. Scene 10. Chorus: The Royal Ball 10:25 Scene 11. Ball Duet: “I dreamed a lovely vision” (Prince and Cinderella) 15:27 Scene 12: Royal Singing Competition 18:10 Scene 13 Balcony Duet: “Down by the brook I wander” (Cinderella, Prince) 23:42 Scene 14: Cinderella flees. 28:04 ACT IV. Scene 15: Morning after the Ball. Prince and King 38:00 Scene 16: Cinderella and Stepmother 42:37 Scene 17. Duet and chorus: The Star of Hope (Prince, Fairy, Elves) 48:25 Scene 18. Duet: “I said your dress was too tight” (Stepsisters) 50:16 Scene 19. Prince comes to search. 54:26 Duet: “If I’m not mistaken” (Prince and Cinderella) 1:02:20 Royal Wedding

Alma Deutscher on NBC Today, November 2013 (age 8)

How do you make classical music interactive and accessible? Watch this video featuring Alma Deutscher who talks to us about her mission to revolutionize classical music and captivate young audiences. Her journey showcases the power of music to connect generations and spark a renaissance in classical music appreciation.

Here is another improvisation I did in Vienna a few months ago. It was during an encore after a concert I conducted with the Strauss Capelle Vienna at the Konzerthaus. Some day I will work on this improvisation to improve it and turn it into a proper piece. Alma