There's certain piano pieces that stir something within. Those are the pieces we should add to our bucket list to learn. Below are the most common requests...
5. Comptine d'un autre été: L'apres midi
Composed by Yann Tiersen for the 2001 French movie Amélie, Comptine is a delightful yet haunting piece. Short and repetitive, it's one of the most common tunes adult players want to learn who are at an early / intermediate level. When learning, keep the tempo steady, use light fingers and practice separate hands rigorously before putting it all together.
Listen to Comptine.
4. The Heart Asks Pleasure First
This is one of my favourites as a moody teenager. Written by Michael Nyman for the 1993 film 'The Piano', this piece can certainly take you to 'another place'. Learning it, however, will certainly bring its challenges. With tricky rhythms to master and a 'simple' melody to tease out, you could be frustrated by this one at times. The best way to describe learning this is to liken it to patting your head, whilst rubbing your tummy. Just remember. Practice makes perfect!
Listen to The Heart Asks Pleasure First
3. Gymnopédie No.1
Probably one of the most relaxing and tranquil piano pieces out there. Composed by French pianist Erik Satie, Gymnopedie is fairly easy to master thanks to its slow pace but care must be taken to achieve the correct flow, 'leaps' and most importantly, deep emotion. If you want to impress someone with your 'soft' side, this is the one to perform.
Listen to Gymnopedie No.1
2. Fur Elise
Well known from the very first few notes, Ludwig van Beethoven's composition is one of the favourites to learn as an adult. The first movement can be learnt easily making it accessible to the beginner players. However, overall Fur Elise provides thorough material to improve your piano skills at an intermediate level.
Listen to Fur Elise
1. Clair de Lune
My number one most adored piece by Claude Debussy. It's one of the most recognisable too, appearing on countless adverts and movies. The beautifully weaving yet simple melody is intertwined with an 'oh-so-not' easy harmony. The rhythm can be quite problematic too. In my opinion, the ultimate bucket list piece to conquer beyond intermediate level.
Listen to Clair de Lune
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