classica

F. Chopin - Etude Op.10 No.4 in c sharp minor

When ADD shows up in music composition:
Theme and variations. Can you count how many variations?

Dedicated to the late Professor Wallace Clark

In the Spring of 1997, I was in the music history class taught by the late Professor Wallace Clark.  At the beginning of the semester, he lectured on Mozart and introduced the class to  his 12 Piano Variations on "Ah vous dirais-je, Maman" Twinkle Twinkle Little Star  (K. 265 / K. 300e) (1781 or 1782).  Professor Clark jokingly challenged the class stating that if anyone could write four variations on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, including the theme, they would receive an A for the semester, and they would not have to report to class for the remainder of the semester.  I took the challenge seriously and immediately took to writing and ended up with over 20 variations.  I recorded the music and brought in the printed music to the next class.  I will never forget his blank stare at the music and look when I played the recording.  He apparently did not expect anyone to try to take the challenge or even worry about having to keep his word regarding an A letter grade.  He looked over the sheet music and stated, "I see you have more variations than Mozart, but where is the fugue."  It was clear to me that he was trying to get out of his "deal."  He did not expect anyone to take him seriously.  However, for the next class meeting I returned with the addition of a fugue and more "zany"  variations which included a cadenza for the heck of it.  I always had a sense of humor.  I brought in copies of the music for the class as he dared and brought in an audio cassette tape of composition.  Class ended early that day.  Rest in peace Professor Clark.  You were an inspiration and a passionate teacher.

Can you find these variations and still hear the theme?:

Rondo Alla Turca variation
Piano Exercise
Prelude and Fugue quote
Cadenza
Bach
Mix meter
Triple meter
Impressionistic
Romantic
Rachmaninoff tribute
Scott Joplin and Stride Piano
Quasi jazz
Latin songo
Black Gospel
20th Century
Country


Piano Variations On Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (1997) by Jorim Edgar Reid


Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Boku to Kimi to no Ongakuchou 四月は君の嘘 僕と君との音楽帳 (Download) 

(MP3/320K/BK) Release (2014.11.19)

Tracklist 

01 Piano Sonata No. 14  Third Movement
02 Violin Sonata No. 9  First Movement
03 Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
04 Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4
05 Étude in A minor, Op. 25, No. 11 
06 Étude in E minor, Op. 25, No. 5
07 Love’s Sorrow
08 Love’s Sorrow (Piano Solo Version)
09 Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12
10 Clair de Lune
11 Pavane Pour une Infante Défunte
12 ‘Waltz’ from “The Sleeping Beauty” (Piano Duet Version)
13 Étude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 
14 Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23


09 Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12


Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso Boku to Kimi to no Ongakuchou 四月は君の嘘 僕と君との音楽帳 (Download) 

(MP3/320K/BK) Release (2014.11.19)

Tracklist 

01 Piano Sonata No. 14 <Moonlight> Third Movement
02 Violin Sonata No. 9 <Kreutzer> First Movement
03 Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso
04 Étude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4
05 Étude in A minor, Op. 25, No. 11 <Winter Wind>
06 Étude in E minor, Op. 25, No. 5
07 Love’s Sorrow
08 Love’s Sorrow (Piano Solo Version)
09 Étude in D-sharp minor, Op. 8, No. 12
10 Clair de Lune
11 Pavane Pour une Infante Défunte
12 ‘Waltz’ from “The Sleeping Beauty” (Piano Duet Version)
13 Étude in C minor, Op. 10, No. 12 <Revolutionary Étude>
14 Ballade No. 1 in G minor, Op. 23


06 Étude in E minor, Op. 25, No. 5

05 Étude in A minor, Op. 25, No. 11 <Winter Wind>

03 Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso

01 Piano Sonata No. 14 <Moonlight> Third Movement

#1 iTunes Classical Album (US).

Steinway artist, Chad Lawson, decided Chopin needed a new introduction. Along with violinist Judy Kang (Lady Gaga, Ryuichi Sakamoto) and cellist Rubin Kodheli (Kanye West, Norah Jones), Lawson has arranged ten Chopin works into a minimalist landscape.

It's a risk editing the "poet of the piano" but one that Chopin would be proud of.

Taking 10 Chopin works, Lawson decided to scale the works down to a minimalist setting. "I knew even if bare-bones, Chopin's works could still be as spellbinding as the original compositions we are so familiar with." says the pianist.

Produced by Chad Lawson & Alejandro Clavijo. Mixed by Stephen Lee Price. Mastered by Michael Graves of Osiris Studios (Atlanta, GA).

Chopin Waltz in A Minor-Op. 34, No. 2 (Variation Arr. for Piano, Vioin and Cello) - Chad Lawson

Tchaikovsky - the sleeping beauty (piano 4 hands)

[ALBUM] Your Lies in April #2. Violin Sonata No. 9 <Kreutzer> First Movement

Bluestone Alley

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.

classica

Leninha