Piano for Beginners 6th ED - 2016 UK

Play in the style of...

A

lthough music purists would be loathe

to label it classical, and the genre’s fans

wouldn’t want to hear it be classified

as straight-up pop, contemporary

piano music tends to straddle the line between

both genres and adds a bit of new age and

world music into the mix. Compositions are often

kept simple – especially when compared to the

elaborate pieces performed in the Romantic era –

and are usually based on accessible pop-like chord

progressions, although just chords on their own are

rarely used.

Instead, the right hand can use the pop

influences to craft beautiful and accessible melodies

that will appeal to many. Vocal tracks aren’t often

used in the genre, so the right hand can perform

melodies similar to what a vocalist would sing in a

pop song. The left hand often takes influence from

the Classical period and usually plays arpeggios or

Alberti bass patterns to accompany the melody

rather than overpower it.

Just because the music is more simplistic and

attracts a wide range of listeners doesn’t mean that

the pianists are any less skilled, though. It takes a

great degree of expertise to craft a melody that

will pull at a listener’s heart strings like many of

the genre’s finest composers’ works do. Check out

South Korean pianist Yiruma’s River Flows In You for

an example of the contemporary piano music as its

best – you’ll find that the catchy melody and simple

chord structures that define the genre are both

present and correct.

Fusing classical and pop to create accessible yet beautiful songs

Contemporary

piano music

Inspirational works

Amélie

Artist: Yann Tiersen

Year : 2001 Label: Virgin Records

This intricate and diverse soundtrack

album propelled Yann Tiersen to

the level of global recognition he

deserved. The piano solos “La valse

d’Amélie” and “Comptine d’un autre

été” showcase his delicate style of

piano composition.

First Love

Artist: Yiruma

Year : 2001 Label: Stomp Music

Yiruma’s simple and lyrical style

of contemporary piano music

provides the aspiring pianist with a

smorgasbord of songs to learn. One

of the most popular tracks on this hit

album, “River Flows in You”, is a great

place to start.

I Giorni

Artist: Ludivico Einaudi

Year : 2001 Label: Dischi Ricordi S.p.A.

The title track of this album has been

featured in numerous shows and

adverts. Einaudi’s distinctive sound

is formed from incredibly simple,

carefully constructed riffs, with heavy

use of the sustain pedal creating a

dreamy fluency.

Sophomore Jinx

Artist: Rob Costlow

Year : 2002 Label: Tourist Records

A great example of how the simple

harmonic and rhythmic structures

found within contemporary

music, when played with enough

emotion, can form such intricate and

expressive pieces. Rob Costlow’s style

will sweep you off of your feet.

Check out these contemporary classics

“It takes expertise to craft a melody that will

pull at a listener’s heart strings”

Audio file

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and follow along on your

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