ShoutWire users have long been familiar with my weed growing exploits, but few are aware of my affair with my one true love – the piano. This magical instrument is capable of taking me to places where hip hop and other genres could not possibly go.
But you didn’t click on this to read my bullshit – you clicked to hear some fucking piano! Still, before you continue on, know that musical taste is very subjective. What I consider the “best” you might very well consider the worst. Keep in mind that these selections are based on my particular tastes, and you may not agree. You can listen to the full pieces using the playlist directly below the article. So in no particular order, here we go.
Minute Waltz – AshkenazyYou’ve all heard this one. Every pianist who wants to “show off” with a familiar yet fairly difficult piece ultimately falls on this little jingle. It’s light and happy, yet pretty up-tempo for a waltz. Hearing this played live always brings a smile to my face, as does watching faces light up when I play it.
Sonata in A Major K331 III (Rondo Alla Turca) – MozartLike the previous selection, this "Turkish Rondo" is a go-to piece for people wishing to demonstrate that they can play the piano. If you want to “show off” with a familiar piece (and you hate waltzes), this one’s a classic. It took a long, LONG time for me to be able to play this consistently at the proper tempo. Whenever I hear this, I think of the Simpsons episode where Bart (as Mozart) lifts a full-size grand piano over his head and plays this piece with his teeth.
Ave Maria – SchubertIf you have a Roman Catholic family, this is the perfect tear-jerker to bust out at Christmas time. As it was my late grandmother’s absolute all-time favourite song, this one has a special place in my heart. Played with the proper dynamics (or even with a vocalist, as the example that I have selected has), Ave Maria is guaranteed to choke up your listeners.
Maple Leaf Rag – JoplinYeah I know. This piece (or any by Joplin) isn’t anywhere near what would be considered “classical.” Still, this bubbly ragtime piece was the very reason that I decided to take up piano.
Nocturne In E Minor, Op.72 #1 – ChopinThis is, and will always be, my all-time favourite piece written for piano. I still cannot play it with the correct dynamics and “espressivo”. You have to be in the correct state of mind to play this one properly. It’s supposed to be an emotional piece; simply playing the notes just doesn’t cut it. When played properly (as it is here), even the soul-less empty shells of human being who inhabit the internet will feel something stirring inside them.
Those are my picks. If you have your own suggestions, drop ‘em. If not, just kick back with a nice fat doobie and listen to these 5 classics (though not necessarily from the Classical period).
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