# Recommend some piano music **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 11, 2010, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285 "2010-11-11T07:08:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Norse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a9adbd/32.png) [@Norse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Norse)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/1 "2010-11-11T07:08:54Z")
I usually listen to different types of rock music, with some blues thrown in for good measure. But sometimes I feel for something less “intrusive”, simpler, lighter stuff. On such occasions I’ve been listening to classical piano, more specifically Bach’s Goldberg variations played by Glenn Gould or Eric Satie’s Gymnopedies. Just the piano, no other instruments, no arrangements. Simple, unobtrusive and infintely beautiful However, I’d like to have some more alternatives. What would the Dopers recommend? ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/2 "2010-11-11T09:22:18Z")
Beethoven piano sonatas. I like the last three. For some reason I always hear the last one called the 111th or Opus 111. I also really like the Appassionata and the Tempest. There are a lot of recordings where you get three together, like Les Adieux, Waldstein (Wald-something), Appassionata. They’re all good. Rachmaninoff has some nice preludes and things, too. See if you like this one, Prelude in [G Sharp Minor](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbRZYoiJRww&feature=fvw) (youtube), maybe it can lead you to more. Oh, another Rachmaninoff, [prelude in G minor](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QB7ugJnHgs&feature=related) ---
**Author:** ![Promethea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Promethea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Promethea)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 9:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/3 "2010-11-11T09:34:49Z")
I suggest the works of Chopin. Couple of examples: [Nocturne In E-Flat, Op. 9, No. 2](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj3CHx3TDzw&feature=related) [Etude Op. 10 No. 3](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS7KfOyMEIY) ---
**Author:** ![Norse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a9adbd/32.png) [@Norse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Norse)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/4 "2010-11-11T10:14:31Z")
Chopin’s Nocturne was a great suggestion, gotta see if I can find that recording. Thanks! Do you know anything by Debussy which could fit? BTW, jazz pieces would also be great. Regarding music, I’m rather omnivorous WRT genre ---
**Author:** ![Panurge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/fbc32d/32.png) [@Panurge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Panurge)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/5 "2010-11-11T10:24:12Z")
Bach’s solo works are hauntingly beautiful. I can also recommend Domenico Scarlatti from the same period. Mozart’s piano sonatas are stunning, Shubert is way up there too, IMO, as is Schumann. Look for any of these guys on youtube or even wikipedia and poke around a bit. I’m sure you will find something you like. As for non-classical, one of my latest solo piano passions is the work of the wonderful Ethiopian pianist [Tsegué-Maryam Guébrou](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvkNBEftQWo). There are great jazz pianists out there with beautiful solo stuff, too. Thelonious Monk is my personal favorite, but Bill Evans, Bud Powell, Art Tatum, Keith Jarrett etc. have all made wonderful music. Some of it might be labelled “intrusive”, but it is still worth it, though. ---
**Author:** ![Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/le_ministre_de_l_au-dela/32/12181_2.png) [@Le\_Ministre\_de\_l\_au-dela](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Ministre_de_l_au-dela)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 12:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/6 "2010-11-11T12:50:27Z")
> [@Norse](#): > > Chopin’s Nocturne was a great suggestion, gotta see if I can find that recording. Thanks! Do you know anything by Debussy which could fit? > > BTW, jazz pieces would also be great. Regarding music, I’m rather omnivorous WRT genre Debussy? He wrote a lot of beautiful, evocative piano music. Try the [Preludes](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pr%C3%A9ludes_(Debussy)); I especially recommend the playing of Arturo Benedetti Michaelangeli. [La Fille aux cheveux de lin](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MswHKA4dako) - The Girl with the Flaxen Hair. Preludes, book 1, #8 [La Cathédral engloutie](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsdIkUSjXv8&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL) - The Sunken Cathedral Preludes, book 1, #10 I’m also a big fan of Brahms, especially the short piano works. There’s a great recording of Radu Lupu - it was the middle disc of [this three disc set](http://www.deccaclassics.com/cat/single?PRODUCT_NR=4757070). I’m not sure if it’s available separately anymore. [Opus 117, #1](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKIZzXXkX5M) [Opus 118, #2](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h4Re5WBEAc) Jazz - I’d second all the recommendations above. May I just throw in a few more? Earl Hines’ solo piano work is fantastic. I’ll keep having a troll on the YouTubes, but so far all I can find is his ensemble work. The solo albums are outstanding. George Shearing is another you might enjoy. Concord had an album, simply called ‘Piano’ that was great. Nat King Cole - I don’t know if he ever recorded just solo, but the trio recordings were beautiful. He’s an interesting artist - we now think of him as ‘just’ a singer, but his [piano playing](http://www.amazon.com/Piano-Style-Nat-King-Cole/dp/B000005HBF) was top-notch. [George Essihos](http://www.islandnet.com/~jshandro/essihos.html) - Victoria, BC’s best kept secret. I feel honour bound to mention him because only a handful of people seem to know about him. Solo Journeys is a superb album. ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/7 "2010-11-11T13:42:33Z")
Jazz piano is often best heard in a trio environment. Bill Evans excels in that area and may be the most imitated jazz piano these days. Other jazz piano to investigate: Art Tatum Oscar Peterson Keith Jarrett Herbie Hancock Ahmad Jamal Chick Corea YouTube has some good clips by those guys, but if this doesn’t blow you away, I have no advice for you: [Caravan - MICHEL PETRUCCIANI solo live](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWmz5-NoFzk) Another one I particularly like: [The Conversation - Music by David Shire](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYnbawUURtk) ---
**Author:** ![WordMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/8 "2010-11-11T13:43:22Z")
Bill Evans, [Live at the Village Vanguard](http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Village-Vanguard-Recordings-1961/dp/B000AMJEKA). Sublime. ETA: simul-post with Zeldar ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/9 "2010-11-11T14:18:49Z")
You might find some help from [Your Favorite Bill Evans YouTube Clip](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=578238) which I started 09-14-2010 and which has had 12 posts as of my latest check. The thread is too young to be a zombie and I would love to see more input there. I would add Eliane Elias to the list but her better music is with a combo and is mostly Brazilian flavored. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/10 "2010-11-11T15:04:49Z")
> [@](#): > > YouTube has some good clips by those guys, but if this doesn’t blow you away, I have no advice for you: > > Caravan - MICHEL PETRUCCIANI solo live Thank you for that. Incredible. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Zeldar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/b77776/32.png) [@Zeldar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeldar)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/11 "2010-11-11T15:11:49Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > Thank you for that. > > Incredible. > mmm Quite welcome! His other YouTube things are also worthy work. Amazing human being. RIP. ---
**Author:** ![Eonwe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eonwe/32/240_2.png) [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/12 "2010-11-11T16:12:00Z")
I’m a fan of Busoni’s transcriptions of a number of Bach’s works. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/13 "2010-11-11T16:43:18Z")
In addition to the other great suggestions, you might want to look for some of Grieg’s Lyric Pieces. > [@Panurge](#): > > Bach’s solo works are hauntingly beautiful. I can also recommend Domenico Scarlatti from the same period. A caution: when it comes to the keyboard works of Bach, Scarlatti, and others of that era, sometimes they’re played on a piano, sometimes on some other instrument, like a harpsichord. If it matters to you, watch out for this when looking for recordings. (The earliest pianos were just being built during Bach’s day, and he never wrote anything specifically for the piano as such.) ---
**Author:** ![Panurge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/fbc32d/32.png) [@Panurge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Panurge)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/14 "2010-11-11T16:51:04Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > In addition to the other great suggestions, you might want to look for some of Grieg’s Lyric Pieces.A caution: when it comes to the keyboard works of Bach, Scarlatti, and others of that era, sometimes they’re played on a piano, sometimes on some other instrument, like a harpsichord. If it matters to you, watch out for this when looking for recordings. > > (The earliest pianos were just being built during Bach’s day, and he never wrote anything specifically for the piano as such.) Absolutely true. I kind of like the harpsichord versions, but I find that I need to be more focused on the music. My wife just finds it stressful. ---
**Author:** ![drastic\_quench](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e36b37/32.png) [@drastic\_quench](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drastic_quench)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/15 "2010-11-11T16:53:12Z")
Debussy, Clair de Lune [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/LlvUepMa31o/hqdefault.jpg "Debussy, Clair de lune (piano music)") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlvUepMa31o) It’s popularity has resurged recently after being featured in one of the Twilight flicks apparently, but it’s timeless. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [November 11, 2010, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/16 "2010-11-11T17:12:44Z")
I would start with Chopin, then for sheer brilliance, listen to some Rachmaninoff. ---
**Author:** ![MeanOldLady](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanoldlady/32/10737_2.png) [@MeanOldLady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanOldLady)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2010, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/17 "2010-11-12T00:55:28Z")
> [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > In addition to the other great suggestions, you might want to look for some of Grieg’s Lyric Pieces. Yes. My favorite of the Lyric Pieces is [Homesickness](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuYJUosjnMo). ---
**Author:** ![KarlGauss](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karlgauss/32/3713_2.png) [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2010, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/18 "2010-11-12T01:44:08Z")
“Simple, unobtrusive, and beautiful”. And, “just piano”. Why, you’re asking for Metamorphosis by Philip Glass. It can be found on [this album](http://www.amazon.com/Philip-Glass-Solo-Piano/dp/B0000026Y4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1289526025&sr=1-1) among others. I hope you’ll check out the samples. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2010, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/19 "2010-11-12T02:45:55Z")
> [@KarlGauss](#): > > “Simple, unobtrusive, and beautiful”. And, “just piano”. Why, you’re asking for Metamorphosis by Philip Glass. It can be found on [this album](http://www.amazon.com/Philip-Glass-Solo-Piano/dp/B0000026Y4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1289526025&sr=1-1) among others. I hope you’ll check out the samples. (Speaking of sampling Philip Glass, were you aware that Amazon has a [free Philip Glass sampler album](http://www.amazon.com/Orange-Mountain-Music-Philip-Sampler/dp/B002QZ53OK/ref=sr_shvl_album_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1289529567&sr=301-4)?) ---
**Author:** ![rowrrbazzle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rowrrbazzle/32/414_2.png) [@rowrrbazzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rowrrbazzle)\ **Post date:** [November 12, 2010, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285/20 "2010-11-12T03:41:03Z")
Bach wrote a LOT of stuff for keyboard (well, he wrote a lot of stuff, period). The Well-Tempered Clavier (preludes and fugues in every key), his Italian Concerto, English suites, French suites, fantasias, partitas, and much, much more. I like the piano music of Maurice Ravel (probably best-known for _Bolero_). His _Mother Goose Suite_ (Ma Mere l’Oye) was originally written for piano four hands and intended for younger performers, so it’s relatively simple. Also try his _Miroirs_ and _Valses Nobles et Sentimentales_. Debussy’s _Children’s Corner Suite_ was also written with younger pianists in mind, so again, it’ll be simpler. But do follow up on the recommendations already given. Also try his _Images_, 2 Arabesques, and _Pour Le Piano_. YouTube will have a lot of these. One of my special occasional pleasures is, late at night when everything else is quiet, listening to Ravel or Debussy late at night. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-some-piano-music/560285.md?page=2)