If you are looking for a taste of piano solos, or are just dabbling in finding classical music that appeals to you, I recommend Piano Classics from the St. Clair label as an inexpensive investment. While getting my oil changed at Wally-World the other day, I happened upon a promo display of cut-rate CDs ("Starting at $3.96!") and found several nice classic selections for under $5 that I did not have. This disc was at the unbelievable price of $1.98.and well worth the price several times over.
Straight piano music (no orchestration, no steel guitars, no snare drums) in the classical vein, this collection contains works by major composers from the Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century periods.
Bagatelle for Piano in A minor, WoO 59 "Für Elise".
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
Period: Classical
Quite familiar to even casual listeners of classical music, the Für Elise reminds me of colorful fall leaves swirling and whirling in the autumn winds. While in a minor key, Für Elise is anything but sad or depressing; rather it weaves sunshine in amongst the spinning foliage.
Arabesques (2) for Piano: no 1 in E major, Andante con moto.
Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)
Period: 20th Century
I’m not too hot on Debussy, and Arabesques is too tinkly-tinkly for my tastes. There are streams of Clair de Lune that seem to invade this piece, but since it is graciously short (2:59 minutes), I don’t hit the Skip Track button. "Andante con moto" translates to "moderate tempo with motion" and this piece does flow smoothly and move along.
Liebestraum for Piano, S 541: no 3, O Lieb, so lang.
Franz Liszt (1811 – 1886)
Period: Romantic
Liszt, and the Romantic period in general, do not figure high in my top ten composers or periods. While this piece has a little too much fluff and tinkly-tinkly, it also has a bit of power that is missing from the previous Debussy selection. At 10:20 minutes, it is the second longest single selection; the translation of "O Lieb, so lang" from German is "Oh dear, so long", which I will take tongue in cheek as commentary on the length of the piece.
Sonata for Piano no 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27 no 2 "Moonlight".
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770 – 1827)
Period: Classical
The inclusions of Movements Two and Three in this CD alone make it worth hunting out and purchasing. Movement One (Adagio), the familiar "Moonlight Sonata", is found on every Beethoven "Best of" CD in existence. Movement Two (Allegretto), which is all starry lightness, is a short transitionary piece at only 2:20 minutes. Movement Three (Presto Agitato) is a whirlwind of notes that is reminiscent of a summer storm – lightning, thunder, and a frantic pace that doesn’t let up until the final key is struck. My personal favorite of all Beethoven’s piano pieces, and all classical music, for that matter.
Etudes (12) for Piano, Op. 10: no 12 in C minor, B 67 "Revolutionary".
Frederic Chopin (1810 – 1849)
Period: Romantic
Typical of Chopin, the "Revolutionary" combines romance and strength in a neat package which may call to mind a military march. Chopin composes for the left hand, and it is quite apparent in this piece. While treble notes are the main melody, the bass carries the pace of the piece in its never slowing arpeggios. I tolerate listening to Chopin because of the power he integrates into his music despite the Romantic period of his writing. I detest playing most Chopin because of the left hand focus; I’m just too lazy to practice him regularly.
Sonata for Piano no 11 in A major, K 331 (300i).
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)
Period: Classical
Mozart’s always good for background music while I am working, and while this is not one of his most recognizable pieces, it is cheery and light enough to provide a nice atmosphere during the daily grind. At 22:54 minutes, this selection is the longest on the CD – and while I DO love Mozart, it does seem to go on for a bit too long.
Suite bergamasque: 3rd movement, Clair de Lune.
Claude Debussy (1862 – 1918)
Period: 20th Century
As stated earlier, I’m not overly fond of Debussy (his music is by and large too light and fluffy for me), but if you are into more of a "tune" that can be hummed, this selection may appeal to you. "Clair de Lune" is recognizable to the lay person – if you are a Styx fan, you might remember Ballerina off the Crystal Ball album (1976), which was based on the Debussy piece.
Concerto for Piano no 21 in C major, K 467: 2nd movement, Andante.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756 – 1791)
Period: Classical
Oops, did I say there wouldn’t be any orchestration in this CD? I lied. While the main character in this concerto IS the piano, there is a lovely orchestra that accompanies it. Beauty, romance (without the mamby-pamby flutter of the Romantic period), and expression that are topped by few. Have I mentioned that next to Beethoven, I love Mozart best?
Impromptus (4) for Piano, D 899/Op. 90: no 2 in E flat major.
Franz Schubert (1797 – 1828)
Period: Romantic
Overall, not much substance, it’s a little like listening to cotton candy floating on a hot summer breeze. There are actually 4 short impromptus; whirlwinds of arpeggios that run through the air with the integration of a few chords here and there. While it’s not a strong finish to the CD in my opinion, it is a worthwhile addition.
While I do recommend this CD as an addition to your library, it contains more Romantic and 20th Century pieces than I personally like. The price was right, and while the pianists are not identified (the liner simply lists the pieces and their run time), they appear to be professionals, not second-rate players. Most of these pieces are rather difficult to play, and are interpreted well through both intonation and dynamics.