Happy World Piano Day to you all. Today is an annual worldwide event founded in 2015. It takes place on the 88th day of the year (and in 2023, it’s the 29th of March) due to the number of keys on a piano. Berlin-based pianist, composer, and producer Nils Frahm, who originally instigated the idea, sums it up beautifully:

“Why does the world need a Piano Day? For many reasons. But mostly, because it doesn’t hurt to celebrate the piano and everything around it: performers, composers, piano builders, tuners, movers and most important, the listener.”

Nils Frahm

Events are being held around the globe for this special occasion. I hope you can enjoy the day wherever you are and, as part of the celebrations, I am offering a free piano piece for you or your students to play.

The Copper Horse was originally written for the composition competition Compose Yourself, a wonderful annual online festival that encourages young students to write piano music; my piece was one of the prizes. I wrote this work in 2022 and it was inspired by the Copper Horse statue which is situated in Windsor, Berkshire (UK), where I live.

The Long Walk, a two-and-a half-mile tree-lined avenue, was created by King Charles II between 1682-1685 and it stretches all the way from The Copper Horse statue to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Situated at the highest point of the Walk on Snow Hill, above the castle, the statue depicts King George III on horseback; it was erected in 1831 in memory of the King’s contribution to Windsor Great Park. A majestic sight and it’s one I enjoy on a regular basis as part of my daily walk.

One of my favourite activities is composing short piano pieces for students; I do this regularly for Pianist Magazine amongst other publications. The following work is around late-elementary/early-intermediate level. The bittersweet sentiment is intended to capture the melancholy of the King’s sad decline. You can download The Copper Horse here:

The Copper Horse by Melanie Spanswick

And listen to it here:

---

Publications

Melanie Spanswick has written and published a wide range of courses, anthologies, examination syllabuses, and text books, including Play it again: PIANO (published by Schott Music). This best-selling graded, progressive piano course contains a large selection of repertoire featuring a huge array of styles and genres, with copious practice tips and suggestions for every piece.

For more information, please visit the publications page, here.

---