Some Celebrated Composers of Piano Music

When learning to play the piano, it pays to give attention to some celebrated composers of classical music.

When learning to play the piano, it pays to give attention to some celebrated composers of classical music. Playing from sheet music of great pianists like Robert Schumann may help a pianist to find his style and even learn new angles when composing. Robert Schumann is known for pieces such as kinderszenen. This particular set of compositions was inspired by his fiancée when she told him he was like a child. As with other great works, they were compiled during a time when the composer was going through a difficult time.

Similar circumstances of depression surrounded the Russian composer Rachmnaninoff. His greatest works were presented at a time when he had fallen from grace because of his poorly received symphony. Rachmnaninoff had also failed to get the hand of his beloved cousin in marriage and had gotten so low, he had to attend therapy. Rachmnaninoff had large hands that allowed him to play the piano effortlessly. He suffered another bout of depression when he had to leave Russia permanently after the revolution.

Knowing the history of a composition and the state of mind of the composer is important. It aids the pianist to get in the right mood when playing renowned classical music. The very personality of the composer is carried in the notes as they are played. The mood is in the tempo and the emotions are in the timing. The pianist is however free to deliver his own rendition or variations done by other composers.

Being able to play by ear is the true mark of a virtuoso. When the pianist is truly matured in the art, he is able to improvise a classical piece. Perhaps the most illustrious example of improvisation is Schubert’s impromptus. The genre was named after his compositions at a period when spontaneous play by virtuosos was popular. Schubert’s piano music is difficult to master by some because of it’s free flowing nature. It is a classic example of the required mix between technique and inspiration.

A very interesting portrait of a great pianist is Scriabin whose compositions were that of a maverick. Scriabin was an impressionist with a very illustrious musical life. He had begun his musical career early, due to his achievements he qualified as a professor of piano. He then stopped teaching and traveled around performing. In the latter part of his life, Scriabin was influenced by Theosophy. His compositions took a turn and came into his own when he started aiming to achieve a sought of musical nirvana. Ironically, Scriabin died of septicemia even though he had been a hypochondriac all his life.

The aforementioned great pianists of the twentieth century have all been influenced by great composers that preceded them like Chopin, Tchaikovsky and Listz. A great way to practice the piano is to get the sheet music of composers like Rachmnaninoff and Robert Schumann.

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Don F Ashley is the author of this article on Robert Schumann. Find more information, about Kinderszenen here

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