The piano is the perfect vehicle for Salon music, that is, music more suited to the drawing-room as opposed to the concert hall. This genre was popular in Europe in the Nineteenth Century. During this period, many composers were also performers, and they loved to write little pieces to perform at house recitals or soirées, showcasing their talents in…
Tag: Concert Pianist
Clara Rodriguez in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
The twenty-second interview in my Classical Conversations Series features Venezuelan pianist Clara Rodriguez and I was delighted to chat to her at Steinway Hall in London. Find out more about Clara, here. For those who prefer to read interviews, the transcript: MELANIE SPANSWICK: Venezuelan concert pianist Clara Rodriguez plays solo and chamber concerts all around the…
Structuring Your Piano Practice
Structured practice for the more advanced pianist has been whirling around my inbox recently. I’ve written about it several times for beginners, but it does take on a different mantle for those who have clearly passed that stage. Piano practice has frequently been cited by pupils as the main reason for wanting to quit, after…
Piers Lane in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
My twenty-first Classical Conversation is with Australian concert pianist Piers Lane who chatted to me at Steinway Hall in London. Find out more about Piers, here. For those who prefer to read interviews, here is the transcript; MELANIE SPANSWICK: Australian concert pianist Piers Lane came to prominence in 1977 at the inaugural Sydney International Piano Competition…
Angela Hewitt in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
This is the Twentieth Classical Conversation in my series and I’m delighted to welcome celebrated British Canadian concert pianist Angela Hewitt to mark the occasion. We met at Jaques Samuel pianos in London. Find out more about Angela, here. The transcript for those who prefer to read interviews: MELANIE SPANSWICK: Celebrated British-Canadian concert pianist Angela Hewitt gives…
Do pianists really need to play the entire piano repertoire?
This is a topic relevant to performers of all standards and abilities. How can we build an effective and enjoyable recital programme which is varied, interesting and more importantly, will compliment a pianist’s abilities and talents? For younger, inexperienced performers, teachers are paramount here, hopefully suggesting works beyond the scope of those found in various…
Listening and focusing
There are numerous considerations when playing the piano. Elements requiring attention include co-ordination, notes, fingering, rhythm, pedalling, colour, sound, and so on. The list is endless, and the success of the all important technical and musical issues depends on how carefully we listen and focus on what we are doing. It’s too easy to play with closed ears, that is,…
‘There are no Fazioli artists, only ARTISTS who PLAY FAZIOLI’
The city of Sacile, a place synonymous with an ancient woodworking tradition, is located around sixty kilometres north east of Venice in the North Eastern part of Italy. It is home to the headquarters of esteemed piano makers Fazioli, who build some of the most expensive instruments in the world. Fazioli is a relatively new…
Valerie Tryon in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
My nineteenth Classical Conversation is with British concert pianist Valerie Tryon. Valerie now resides in Ancaster in Ontario, Canada, but was visiting the UK to record a disc with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra when I caught up with her in London. Find out more about Valerie, here. Here’s the transcript for those who prefer to read…
Steven Osborne in conversation with Melanie Spanswick
The eighteenth interview in my Classical Conversations Series is with British concert pianist, Steven Osborne. We met for a chat during rehearsals for the Midsummer Music Festival held in Latimer, Buckinghamshire, where Steven was giving chamber music recitals. Find out more about Steven, here. Here’s the transcript for those who prefer to read interviews: MELANIE SPANSWICK: British…
The Yellow Lounge with Valentina Lisitsa in Paris
Nothing invigorates the soul like a trip to the romantic city of Paris. It’s always a good idea to take time out from our daily routines and do something completely different, but the main reason for my three-day trip last week was to visit friend and the first pianist I interviewed as part of my…
Sheargold Music Interview
A few weeks ago I spoke to Steven Palmer at Sheargold Music as part of their new video-blog series, about my career and my new book. I was delighted to have the opportunity to chat on camera about So You Want To Play The Piano? Sheargold Music owns a large piano and music shop in Cobham, Surrey. You can watch…