Piano Adventures Playlist
Special thanks to Teachers Riwa Komine and Nathan Inkiriwang for this wonderful idea and who kindly volunteered to put this Piano Adventures listening guide together. The pieces in this guide correspond with the pages in the Piano Adventures book, and every video was handpicked and thoughtfully described.
Must-Listen Pieces:
Piano Adventures has many famous tunes in each level, which are excerpts or simplified melodies from must-know master pieces. We've curated a collection of videos (feature the full, original versions of the pieces) and essential general knowledge about these pieces, all neatly organized to correspond with the page numbers in your Piano Adventures books.
We created this resource to bridge the gap between learning simplified piano pieces and appreciating their full, original versions. We noticed that students often struggle to find the correct versions on their own due to the vast amount of content available online. By providing a direct and easy-to-navigate resource, we aim to:
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Enhance Understanding: Help students understand the beauty and complexity of the original compositions.
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Boost Engagement: Make it easier and more enjoyable for students to explore classical music beyond their practice books.
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Provide Context: Offer educational insights that enrich the learning experience and deepen musical knowledge.
As Piano Adventures has become the most popular piano teaching method, creating this resource can benefit many students. Even for those not using this book, these must-know masterpieces are worth watching and knowing. We encourage you to explore these playlists with your child and embark on a musical journey together!
Primer Level
(P. 28) Ode to joy
Beethoven 9th Symphony - Movement IV
"Ode to Joy" is part of the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony, written in 1824. It's famous for its grand, joyful melody and includes both an orchestra and a choir, which was groundbreaking at the time. The lyrics come from a poem by Friedrich Schiller that celebrates brotherhood and unity. Beethoven, who was completely deaf when he composed it, created this masterpiece to express his belief in the power of joy and human connection through music.
Level 1
(P. 76-77) Beethoven
Shepherd's Song
The fifth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, also known as the 'Pastoral Symphony,' portrays the peaceful and idyllic scenes of the countryside.
(P. 31) Mozart
String Quartet No. 4 in C, K. 157
A chamber music piece composed by Mozart at the age of 16, showcasing his early talent and intricate understanding of string quartet writing.
(P. 74-75) Haydn
Symphony No. 104 'London' - IV. Finale: Spiritoso
The final movement of Haydn's last symphony, characterized by its lively and spirited tempo, showcasing Haydn's mastery in creating dynamic and engaging symphonic finales.
Level 2A
(P. 20-21) Brahms
Op.49 No.4 Wiegenlied / Lullaby
A gentle and soothing lullaby composed by Brahms, widely known for its calming melody and often used as a bedtime song for children.
Vivaldi
The Four Seasons, Spring (La Primavera), 1st movement
The opening movement of Vivaldi's 'Spring' from 'The Four Seasons,' characterized by its bright and joyful melody, depicting the arrival of spring.
(P. 25) Haydn
Symphony No. 100 in G Major 'Military' - 4. Finale (Presto)
The final movement of Haydn's 'Military' Symphony, featuring a fast and lively tempo, as well as the use of percussion instruments to create a 'military' sound.
Level 2B
(P. 60-61) Traditional
God Save the Queen
The national anthem of the United Kingdom, known for its patriotic and regal melody.
(P. 83) Bach
Peasant Cantata
A secular cantata by Bach, depicting the simple and joyful life of peasants through lively and expressive music.
(P.80-81) Beethoven
Turkish March (The Ruins of Athens Op. 113)
A lively and rhythmic piece from Beethoven's incidental music 'The Ruins of Athens,' often performed as a standalone work.
Level 3
(P. 10-11) Grieg
Morning Mood
An orchestral piece from Grieg's 'Peer Gynt Suite,' depicting the serene and peaceful mood of morning.
(P. 32) Tchaikovsky
March Slav
A rousing orchestral work by Tchaikovsky, combining Russian and Serbian folk themes to create a powerful and patriotic march.
(P. 62-63) Tchaikovsky
Piano Concerto No.1, 2nd movement
The lyrical and expressive second movement of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1, known for its beautiful melodies and emotional depth.
(P. 26-28) Sarasate
Malaguena
A lively and spirited Spanish dance piece for violin, showcasing Sarasate's virtuosity and flair for Spanish folk music.
(P. 54-55) Denza
Funiculi Funicula
A popular Neapolitan song composed by Luigi Denza, known for its catchy and cheerful melody, often associated with Italian culture.
(P. 92-95) Pachelbel
Canon in D
A famous baroque piece by Pachelbel, known for its serene and harmonious melody, often played at weddings.
Level 4-5
Rimsky-Korsakov
Song of India
An exotic and lyrical piece from Rimsky-Korsakov's opera 'Sadko,' showcasing the composer's talent for orchestration and melody.
Capua
O Sole Mio
A famous Neapolitan song, known for its expressive and heartfelt melody, celebrating the beauty of the sun and love.
Strauss Jr.
Roses from the South
A famous waltz by Johann Strauss II, known for its graceful and melodic charm, often performed at Viennese balls.
Borodin
Nocturne
A beautiful and lyrical piece by Borodin, known for its serene and expressive melody, often played as a piano solo.
Traditional
Volga Boatmen
A traditional Russian folk song, known for its deep and resonant melody, often sung by workers along the Volga River.
Beethoven
Shepherd's Song
The fifth movement of Beethoven's Symphony No. 6, also known as the 'Pastoral Symphony,' portrays the peaceful and idyllic scenes of the countryside.
Brahms
Hungarian Dance No.5
A lively and energetic dance piece by Brahms, inspired by Hungarian folk music, showcasing vibrant rhythms and melodies.
Ivanovici
Waves of Danube
A waltz by Ivanovici, known for its flowing and graceful melody, celebrating the beauty of the Danube River.