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Is the modern
piano the king of instruments? There is more music written for the
piano over the past two centuries than for any other instrument.
Outside of the organ, the piano is the only instrument that allows the
player to play melody and harmony at the same time. Even though string
instruments, like the violin and cello are at least as hard to master
as the piano, music teachers and schools require students to learn the
piano as a second instrument.
So many people
listen to piano music that it has become indelible engraved into our
cultural consciousness. In the pop realm, many love to hear piano music
in romantic songs, show tunes, Led Zeppelin, Broadway music and holiday
music. The music of Billy Joel and Elton John is all piano and vocal.
In the classical realm, the music of Chopin, Brahms, Beethoven, Dvorak,
Debussy, Mozart, Bach, Satie and Scriabin is synonymous to the piano.
George Winston's piano is widely listened to by those who love New Age
music.
The rhythm section is the core music ensemble of all Jazz and is comprised of
three instruments, piano, bass and drums. Jazz legends like, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington, Count Basie,
Art Tatum were all masterful piano players.
One way to get
piano music nowadays is to download sheet music online. Some sheet
music is free or cost a minimum amount of money and it is very
accessible and easy to purchase. Another way is to go to the music
store and buy the latest Urtext edition of Beethoven Piano Sonatas or
Chopin Ballads.
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