Mozart: Child Prodigy and the Piano.

If you have any experience with classical music or know anything about classical composers, you likely realize that the piano is an extremely important instrument. Yesterday I mentioned that Mozart played the piano very well. Even when we see child prodigies today, they usually are playing the piano or the violin, just like Mozart. 

Several reasons lead to the piano being so important. One, it is very accessible to play and can initially be easier to play than other instruments, especially for kids. (Just imagine a five-year-old trying to play a full-size tuba) In addition to the initial ease of play, all the notes are neatly laid out in a row making it easier to visualize. Another reason the piano is so popular is that a musician can play many notes at the same time creating a complete sound. The tuba, in all its greatness, can only play one note at a time and other instruments are needed to fill in the gaps.

For these reasons and more, the piano has always been a driving force in classical music. Every composer has some ability to play the piano and therefore, many have composed great works for the instrument. 

Altogether, Mozart composed 19 piano sonatas. He likely performed most of them and they certainly express the soul of Mozart’s style. Today, I encourage you and your kids to listen to two of his most recognizable piano sonatas. The first is from his eleventh sonata in A Major. The third movement (or part) is called the “Alla Turca,” which means it is written in the style of a Turkish march. Another very famous sonata is nicknamed, “Facile,” which is the French word for easy. This sonata was written for less experienced students and is easier than others, but you will still be impressed. 

I hope you enjoy these great works. They are some of my very favorite to play. As always, I've included them in my Spotify playlist in the sidebar. Enjoy!