Monday, February 17, 2014

Our Latest Piano Experiences

I recently learned a new piece by Tchaikovsky, and this was my first time playing a piece by this composer. Sweet Dreams, is one of the 24 pieces that Tchaikovsky wrote as part of Album for the Young.  Although it was intended to be played by children and even dedicated to Tchaikovsky 7 year old nephew, some are are quite complicated.    

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in Votkinsk, Russia, on May 7, 1840 and composed during the Romantic era. The Romantic era was very emotional unlike the classical period. He studied at a Russian conservatory, and became one of the most influential and adored composer of the Romantic era.  Tchaikovsky was a Russian composer who had a gift for creating different varieties of melodies as well as contrasting different instrument sounds.  Tchaikovsky created many orchestral compositions as well as ballets and operas.  Some of his most famous ballets are The Sleeping Beauty,The Nutcracker, and Swan Lake. 

Sweet Dreams is a beautiful piece that is melodic and peaceful.  It is a slow piece but it really sounds like a sweet dream.  






Over the last few weeks, Michael has improved greatly and since his first recording was ABC, he is now playing more difficult beginner piece. He now has learned to play two hands together and even some simple cords. He also learned all his notes over two octaves in each hand.  He practices an hour a day, and his hard work has paid off.



Who is your favorite Romantic Era Composer?