6 lively pieces of music to play around the house this Easter
Add some fun into your Easter weekend by trying your hand at these...
‘Tis the time of year in which we indulge in a mountain of chocolate, roast dinners, and family time. Yes, it’s Easter! That being said, it wouldn’t be a lazy family weekend without a bit of fun at the piano, would it? We’ve picked out six light and lively pieces for you to try your hand at over the weekend, starting with Diabelli…
1. Diabelli: Vivace in C Op 125 No 7
A rather lively little piece of music, Austrian music composer published this Vivace in C right in the heart of the Classical era, which lasted from around 1750-1830. Fascinatingly, Diabelli is known for his creation of the waltz, which Beethoven used as the basis for his set of thirty-three Diabelli Variations.
Watch your speed in this Vivace.
2. Schubert: Ecossaise D977 No 5
Like Beethoven, Schubert wrote many sets of écossaises – the name means ‘Scottish’ and that may be where this quick dance originated. This piece is marked ‘allegretto’; so, keep your fingers close to the piano as this will help you to play at the fairly brisk speed required.
3. Chopin: Waltz Op 64 No 1 ‘Minute’
A piece of music famous for its giddy melodies and lively rhythm, Chopin’s ‘Minute’ Waltz is the perfect piece to play around the house this Easter. The famously misleading subtitle – ‘Minute’ - has nothing to do with Chopin, who (it’s fair to assume) would have been horrified by any attempt to hustle through his waltz in that time!
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4. Scarlatti: Sonata in A K332
Scarlatti’s Sonata is a particularly charming piece. It comes relatively late in the catalogue of some 555 sonatas for keyboard written by the Italian composer. Although it is marked ‘Allegro’, it should not sound rushed at all.
5. Bach: Two-Part Invention No 1 BWV 772
How can we miss out the greatest composer of the Baroque period, and one of the greatest composers of all time? Bach wrote many a lively piece, his Two-Part Invention No 1 included. Humorously, Bach originally intended this piece as an exercise for his pupils. Enjoy the wonderful dialogue between the hands in this piece.
6. Granados: Cancion de Mayo
This one may not be as lively as the previous five, however it is a particularly beautiful, uplifting piece. ‘Cancion de Mayo’ means ‘May Song’, and was composed in Barcelona by the much-loved Spanish composer Enrique Granados. You’ll fall in love with this piece.
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