HERE COMES THE MUSIC!

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) – Partita No. 1 in Bb major

Bach Partita No. 1 in Bb major The Bb partita, as it’s called, begins with an introductory “Praeludium” then follows the suite form standardized by JS Bach himself. In this case two minuets are included after the generally required Allemande, … Continue reading →

Franz Liszt (1811-1886) – Mephisto Waltz

Of Liszt’s four Mephistos, the first, programmed here, was written between 1859 and 1860 at the end of his prolific Weimer years. Other Mephistos were written some years later between 1880 and 1885 when his music had become less physically … Continue reading →

Frederick Chopin (1810-1849) – Three Pieces

Chopin wrote many works for the piano. His musical output was entirely directed towards this favored instrument. He wrote two significant volumes of etudes to assist the pianist in training. These sets are among the most focused and comprehensive studies … Continue reading →

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) – Impromptu in Bb major

Gallery

Schubert wrote two sets of four impromptus. Though some of the first movement sonata-allegro elements are well hidden, I think of both sets as four movement sonatas. The opus 142 set may be a more convincing sonata. As in the … Continue reading →

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) – Sonata, Opus 57

Ludwig Van Beethoven (1770-1827) Sonata, Opus 57 about Beethoven wrote his opus 57 sonata between the years of 1804 and 1805. It was first published in 1807 in Vienna. The name came about in an 1838 publication of the work. … Continue reading →

Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) – Sonata in C major K159

Our man Domenico was born in Naples, Italy. And yet his life is strongly associated with Spain. This is probably because around 1720 he settled in Lisbon with the job of maestro of the royal chapel. His principal student there … Continue reading →

Moritz Moskowski & Paganini – Liszt – Sparkles and Bells

Invention of the modern piano has been credited to Bartolemeau Christofori who, around 1700, developed the first pianoforte (meaning soft/loud). The modern piano is distinguished from older keyboard instruments like the clavichord and harpsichord by an escapement action and string … Continue reading →

David Wasser

Pianist

Category Archives: Music History