Composers I Love

The first time I heard this piece I was blown away. Totally mesmerized. I listened to it on repeat for days. I still listen to it every few weeks and it never fails to give me goosebumps. I did my own little “recomposition” of Vivaldi inspired by this work (you can listen to it over here).

Who is Max Richter?

He is a prolific German/British composer. His music is an awesome blend of neoclassicism, minimalism and heartbreaking lyricism. He composes for the stage, screen and (more importantly for us) solo piano. You can read more about him here.

Can I play his music on the piano?

Yes! “Max Richter: Piano Works” was released in 2014. I like it a lot. If you need pieces for fussy teenagers then you need this book. Here are some pieces featured in the book:

I am obsessed with this piece! I can listen to it over and over again. I am such a sucker for a cool repetitive bass line. Have you come across the music of Astor Piazzolla before?

Who is he?

Astor Piazolla (1921-1992) was an Argentinian composer and bandoneon player. He helped created a new style of tango called nuevo tango. The tangos he composed are the coolest going around.

Can I play his music on the piano?

You sure can! One of his most famous pieces is Libertango. It has been released in various guises over 500 times. There are quite a few arrangements for piano (all are still under copyright protection so you will need to purchase copies). Here are some – search out the arrangement that best fits your level. Quite a few of my teenage students learn this piece.

Composers I love #2: Max Richter

Composers I love #1: Astor Piazzolla