Learned Two New Songs

Several weeks ago, I visited my local library, where I found a variety of piano books by diverse musicians, including "Liszt-Very Best for Piano" and Edward MacDowell's "Sea Pieces, Op." 55 New England Idyls Op. 62 for the Piano. After exploring the selections, was able to work on Farewell (Abscheid) by Liszt, plus a new favorite selection called Nautilus by MacDowell. These two pieces resonated with me instantly as I played and listened to various artists perform the songs.

The Farewell selection was written for one of his students, The selection is a"category of Liszt's "Music of Despair," reflecting the composer's later life and artistic style." Farewell is considered one of his easiest Russian songs he wrote, as a year later he would pass away. Liszt was already saying goodbye to his family and friends while he wrote this piece. A variety of artists performed the song with the half or quarter note at 80 bpm. I decided to do it with the quarter note at 80 bpm. Hope you enjoy the selection.

The other selection is called Nautilus by Edward MacDowell, which is based on the life and nature in the sea. Written under the title is: A Fairy Sail and a Fairy Boat. The 6/8 elegant song in Ab Major is delineated as "delicately, gracefully", which is what I love about the selection. MacDowell created an A Theme that feels like the feeling of water: gentle, smooth. Yet the B Section is in 2/4 with triplets in much of the music, building to a forte. Both sections of this piece have crescendos and decrescendos and diverse dynamic markings. I'm a true fan of this song. So grateful to have found it. Check out the YouTubes.

What are you still learning that makes playing the piano exciting? Would like to know. Thanks for your support. Blessings.