Piano favorited

Clásico

Classical piano

My favorite piano pieces💚

Reverie (Debussy)

Rhapsody (Rachmaninoff)

This is a studio recording from 2012 for the BBC film 'Loving Miss Hatto'. A biopic penned by the British comedian Victoria Wood about pianist Joyce Hatto.

The character piece is like the art song's fun-loving cousin who always shows up to the party with a bottle of emotional perfume. It's perfect for those intimate gatherings or solo rendezvous with your piano. Thanks to the piano's rise to fame in the 1800s, character pieces were popping up everywhere, and composers were flaunting their creations at the hottest recital events of the time. Basically, character pieces were the 19th century's version of a hot new single. If you thought Franz Liszt's music was boring, think again! This guy was all about giving his character pieces creative and whimsical titles, like "Sposalizio" and "Vallée d'Obermann". But don't worry, he didn't forget about those of us who like our music titles to be a little more straightforward - he also composed plenty of works with no-nonsense names like "Album Leaves" and "Klavierstücke". With his "Consolations" (a.k.a. "Six Poetic Thoughts"), Liszt took a page out of Chopin's book and delved into the world of nocturnes. And let me tell you, the third Consolation in D-flat major is pure Chopin - even the key is pianist-friendly, unlike those pesky "easy" keys like C major. Looks like Liszt knew a thing or two about pleasing his audience! If you're a Chopin fan, you're gonna love Liszt's "Consolation No. 3"! I mean, talk about a tribute - this piece is basically a carbon copy of Chopin's Opus 27, no. 1. And while it might not have the same flashy piano solos that Liszt is known for, it more than makes up for it with its dreamy, slow-moving melodies. Plus, it's in the same key as Chopin's original, so you know it's gotta be good.

Despite the unusual title, the Consolations were inspired by both poetry and religious contemplation, just like Harmonies Poétiques et Religieuses. Some say the title comes from an 1830 poetry collection by Sainte-Beuve, while others think it's based on a poem by Lamartine called A Tear (or Consolation). Either way, it seems like Liszt was in a pretty contemplative mood when he wrote these pieces. But don't worry, Liszt didn't completely forget his roots - he snuck in a little Hungarian folk song as the primary theme, which he later used in his "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 1". So even though this piece might not match the wild, hair-flailing image we have of Liszt, it's still got a little bit of that old-school flavor. Liszt's "Consolation No. 3" wasn't just a musical masterpiece - it was also a major turning point in the composer's life. And let me tell you, Liszt's early life was a doozy - it was basically one big, crazy party. But don't take my word for it, just ask his first mistress (and mother of his three children) Marie d'Agoult, who wrote all about it under the pen name Daniel Stern. And if you're feeling really adventurous, you can even watch the 1975 film "Lisztomania" for all the juicy details. Talk about living the dream! Liszt's life was like something out of a Hollywood movie - seriously, this guy was breaking class barriers and performing like a superstar. But as he got older, he decided to trade in the limelight for a little bit of privacy. He started conducting orchestras and composing more, and even started teaching aspiring pianists from around the world. I guess you could say he was the original piano man!

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Piano: Yamaha C7
Piano Technician: Martin Walsh
Recorded at Cauldron Studios, Dublin
Recording Engineers: Ciarán Byrne & Michael Manning
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An NFT of this track will be available from the artist soon!

Franz Liszt Consolation no. 3 in D flat Major, S. 172

The Serenade No. 13 for strings in G major, K. 525 was written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1787. The work is more commonly known by the title Eine kleine Nachtmusik. The German title means "a little serenade", though it is often rendered more literally but less accurately as "a little night music". The work is written for a chamber ensemble of two violins, viola, and cello with optional double bass, but is often performed by string orchestras.

Mozart - Eine kleine Nachtmusik

The opening theme to Andante from trio in E-flat, opus 100 by Schubert. Arranged for cello quintet and performed by Deryn Cullen.
Full track available to purchase as a download here:
https://deryncullen.bandcamp.com/track/andante-from-trio-in-e-flat-op-100-franz-schubert

Download

Schubert - Theme From Andante

Meditation - Thais Opera _ Itzhak Perlman

This is a recording of me playing Scarlatti's Sonata in B Minor.

Sonata in B Minor, K. 27 L. 449 - Domenico Scarlatti

Rachmaninov Prelude Op. 32 No. 5
Piano : Tsukasa Tawada
Youtube : http://youtu.be/JvV_10AhfrM

ラフマニノフ プレリュード Op.32-5
ピアノ ： 多和田 吏

Rachmaninoff Prelude Op. 32 No. 5 - Tsukasa Tawada

We can never tire of this delicious piece!

You can also follow me on Spotify at https://spoti.fi/2MRR1lV and stream the albums I have released there.

Clair de Lune - Debussy

The Chopin Fantaisie-Impromptu is one of those iconic pieces of the classical piano repertoire. It is arguably played too much so why have I added my performance? I think the infinite ways a piece can change in the hands of different musicians is actually very interesting. My version is fast but lyrical and I search for an unexaggerated and natural romanticism and warmth.

You can also follow me on Spotify at https://spoti.fi/2MRR1lV and stream the albums I have released there.

Fantaisie-Impromptu Op. 66 - Chopin

A miniature virtuoso piano masterpiece by Rheinhold Gliere  composed in 1907 .  In my opinion lots of pianists play this work far too fast which is in contrast to the tempo markings of the composer . The expression , beauty and clarity of each precise note should not be sacrificed for speed .  The flowing triplet broken chords  and modern chords reveal some impressionistic characteristics . This is a great work to give to students to prepare them for Debussy's Arabesque later as they have some similarities . 

Performed , recorded , produced by Alvin Lloyd Masters  near Atlanta in Sept 2017 .

Prelude In D Flat op. 43. no. 1 By Gliere

Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune is the third movement of his Suite Bergamasque, written for solo piano and completed in 1905. The title, meaning “Moonlight,” is inspired by Paul Verlaine’s poem, evoking a serene and reflective atmosphere. The piece epitomizes French Impressionism, focusing on mood and imagery over traditional form.
Structure and Atmosphere

The piece is in ternary form (ABA):

    Opening (A):
    A soft, flowing melody emerges over delicate arpeggios. The music feels weightless, like moonlight shimmering on water. Debussy uses rich harmonies and seventh chords to create a dreamlike quality, with a tender, introspective mood.

    Middle Section (B):
    The dynamics intensify, with fuller textures and soaring melodic lines. This section brings a sense of emotional depth and urgency, contrasting with the calm opening. Arpeggios cascade dramatically, giving the impression of moonlight suddenly brightening or revealing hidden beauty.

    Closing (A):
    The opening material returns, slightly varied, fading into a gentle, whisper-like conclusion. The piece ends as quietly as it began, leaving a sense of stillness and wonder.

Musical Features

    Harmonics: Debussy’s use of whole-tone scales, parallel chords, and non-functional harmony creates a suspended, ethereal soundscape.
    Melody: The lyrical melody floats effortlessly above the accompaniment, expressing both simplicity and emotional depth.
    Texture: Light, transparent textures alternate with moments of lush, resonant fullness, embodying the interplay of light and shadow.

Mood and Interpretation

Clair de Lune evokes the quiet magic of a moonlit night, combining serenity with subtle melancholy. Its poetic quality invites listeners to imagine moonlight reflecting on a calm lake, whispering through trees, or illuminating a tranquil landscape. The music feels timeless, blending stillness with fleeting moments of intensity.

Cultural Impact

This iconic piece has been widely used in films (Ocean’s Eleven, Twilight) and pop culture, often accompanying scenes of romance, nostalgia, or quiet reflection. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke deep emotion while remaining understated.
Performance Notes

Expressive dynamics, fluid phrasing, and careful pedaling are essential to capturing its delicate atmosphere. A balance between freedom and control ensures its dreamlike flow remains intact.

Clair de Lune is a masterpiece of impressionistic music, celebrated for its ability to transport listeners into a realm of quiet beauty and introspection.

Claude Debussy - The Essential Collection

Clair de Lune

Rachmaninoff Prelude in G sharp minor

Yuja Wang - Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2

Famous sentimental piano piece written by Claude Debussy (1862 - 1918) 

Clair de lune (Moonlight) is the third movement from the work "Suite bergamasque".

Recorded in 2001 by Fiona Bechmann

Debussy - Clair De Lune

Debussy  - Clair De Lune

Carlos Gutierrez-Noche de Luna en Altamira (Maria Luisa Escobar)

Escobar-Noche de luna en Altamira

8. Rachmaninoff - Moment Musicaux Op. 16 No. 4 (NARROW STEREO IMAGE)

Chopin Etude Op.10-3

Alvin Lloyd Masters is an American composer , pianist, Instructor , producer , and publisher in
the Atlanta area.

He has composed over 1000 piano compositions between 2006 until the present , and has archived over 1000 recorded works ready for post production and mastering .

Piano Lessons Atlanta 770- 594-8747 .

Affiliated with the Royal Conservatory of Music Development Program involving hundreds
of students of all ages and levels . Mr. Masters
has been a supporter and volunteer center representative for the program for several decades.

All compositions copyright 2006 -2014
Alvin Lloyd Masters , all rights reserved.
Listen free on Sound Cloud courtesy of Blue Jay Music and the Parnassus Piano Project.

In the studio Al Masters uses AKG and Neumann microphones of various types and has used hundreds of different recording approaches to find the best type of sound for his ongoing projects.

In creating , he is an active Sibelius user .

Prelude In D Flat op. 43. no. 1 By Gliere

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