subject: Classical Piano Playing Styles and Genres [print this page] Classical Piano Playing Styles and Genres
Sonata
A piano sonata is usually composed of three or four movements which include the intro, body, and the third and fourth parts, which are known for their fast tempos. Shortly after the piano was invented, piano sonatas were written by famous composers such as Franz Joseph Haydn (Sonata in D Major) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Piano Sonata No. 11). Other composers also created timeless sonatas that are usually included in many classical piano repertoires. If you're trying to master the basics of piano sonata, listen to Chopin's "Piano Sonata No. 3", Beethoven's beloved "Moonlight Sonata", and Franz Liszt's "Sonata in B Minor."
Concerto
In this genre, pieces are composed of a soloist and an ensemble or orchestra. The main focus is on the piano and the orchestra serves as an accompaniment. This style usually has three completely different movements. Probably one of the most recognized composers because of his amazing piano concertos is Amadeus Mozart. During his career, he was able to write a total of 30 piano concertos, many of which are proofs of his musical prodigy. Other pieces you should study when learning how to play a piano concerto are the works of Frederic Chopin (Piano Concerto No. 2), Beethoven (Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major), and Johann Sebastian Bach (Brandenburg concertos).
Solo
Piano solos can be further categorized into different genres such as etude, polonaise, nocturne, waltz, scherzo, and ballade. To further understand how a piano solo is different from other styles, listen to pieces composed by Chopin, Liszt, and Scriabin.
Tips When Playing Classical Piano Pieces
Learning how to play classical piano doesn't have to be a boring or difficult task. You can start out by listening to some of the classical works listed above. A key is to take things slowly. Instead of playing a classical work in a normal tempo during private piano lessons, stopping when you make a mistake, and then going back at the beginning, try to focus on the most challenging parts. Play these parts as slowly as possible while accurately hitting the keys. Once you're able to work around these difficult chords, try to play them faster. Now don't worry if you don't play fast during your first few tries. It'll take time before you can master the basics of classical piano but with enough dedication and with the help of the right piano teachers, you'll be playing Chopin, Bach, and Beethoven in no time.
Many contemporary pieces are actually based on classical works by some of the greatest composers. This is why classical music is usually included in many piano lessons. So if you think classical music is boring, why not give it a try and take piano lessons focusing on this style?
