Piano Music is Exceedingly Cool, Just Like You!

Many composers of the past and present enjoy writing music for the piano. Why? What’s the attraction? I’ll tell you why! I’ll tell you what’s the attraction!

• A piano has unlimited textural possibilities.

• A piano can be an extremely show-off-y instrument.

• A piano is an economical way for a composer to get his or her pieces performed.

• A piano can be pounded on in frustration during a trying composing session (just try doing that to an expensive violin… actually, don’t try doing that).

Let’s examine these eye-opening bullets (I know, I know… all bullets are eye opening)! A pianist can play chords, just like an orchestra, and with the use of the sustain (right) pedal, the textures are limitless. In fact, it is this sustaining ability that is one of the most adoring features of the piano.

In baby grand and grand pianos, the una corda (left pedal) provides a completely different color to the piano. On well maintained instruments, this pedal not only makes the piano sound softer, but it makes the piano sound like a completely different instrument!

As for bullet point number two, very few instruments can compete with the virtuosity of a piano. Thrilling scale passages, heart pounding octave chords and mind crunching arpeggios are all thrown into the mix. Oh, and let’s not forget bone snapping forearm clusters.

Finally, we should address the third bullet point. There are a lot of good pianists available and eager to play composers’ new compositions. This is perhaps the number one selling point for a composer. Regarding a composer’s compositions, it’s a lot more economical to hire a pianist than a chamber or orchestral group.

Here’s another fact for composers to consider regarding piano music. Many households have a piano and/or keyboard. You not only have a market for your pieces professionally, but on an amateur level as well.

Of course, you must have proper etiquette when listening to an amateur musician attempt one of your compositions. There is a chance that the performance will be, shall we say sub par. No matter how an amateur musician performs your composition, always put a smile on your face. There’s always time at a later date to scream and holler in private at how the amateur butchered you composition.

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