Show Notes
Following last week’s show looking at the individual musical keys - their moods/colours, and specific composers’ preferences - I thought it followed neatly to begin a series examining a handful of classic pieces, in each Major and Minor pitch class. So, let’s start at the beginning: C Major. I’ve picked three essential compositions that I believe every budding pianist should know, and be able to perform well. Let’s take a brief listen, and then analyze some interesting features from within each score. I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast episode, which actually marks the half-year of the weekly show! You may [probably you will!] disagree with one or more of my choices - if so, please leave me a comment, either on YouTube, or the podcasting platform of your choice. Which three would you have chosen?
For more information: whaviland.com/podcast
Happy piano playing/learning!
More from Piano Key A to G
Greetings to all new listeners! And to those of you returning: a sincere thank you for waiting so patiently. This is my return to piano podcasting, and the first of 2026 - the absence will be properly explained in the episode.
Today's piano podcast is, in timely fashion, an homage to the fallen heroes who gave their lives so that we may have ours. I will be talking briefly about the history and symbolism of perhaps that most famous of bugle calls: The Last Post. Why is this short work so infused with solemnity and meaning in our collective conscious?
This podcast episode commences a new series, on contemporary pianists that I consider the absolute best currently recording. And, we had to start with my personal favourite, Canadian artist Jesse Brown! I discovered his music in 2018, and his catalogue has been my steadfast companion ever since. Given that I’ve always received the best recommendations of new music from friends - most often just via hearing their background playlists, and being curious - I thought it might be nice to share my own discovery journery with you. We’ll delve a little into the background of this composer, and also listen to snippets of three special works, analyse their genesis, and certain interesting features. Chosen tracks as follows: Flocks [2018] Havana 2012 [2019] Reading the Clouds [2021]
Okay, I admit: shameless plug for my latest album 'Cutting Room Floor: One Take Solo Piano' which released this week. But, I also felt it an opportunity to discuss elements of refining your recordings - and sometimes, just 'letting it be' is the key.
Initially this show was planned to showcase the many physical and mental gains we may experience, on deciding to study the instrument. However, I soon realized this was not going to make for a particularly original podcast! So, instead, I’ve decided to talk about three very personal benefits that studying the piano has gifted me. I hope this bitesize episode will be an enticement to you, at whatever stage of your life, to consider delving into the fascinating world of the keyboard.