All posts by N. Zarr

Video Cole Porter Song Night and Day – Jazz Piano Solo

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Here is a really nice version of the very popular song, ‘Night and Day’ by Cole Porter, performed by Alfonso Gugliucci. Porter was inspired to write the song during a trip to Morocco in 1932. It’s one of his most famous compositions. Porter performed the song in several Hollywood movies, and it has been recorded by countless artists.

 

Cole Albert Porter (June 9, 1891 – October 15, 1964) wrote many popular songs during his career. He was born in Peru, Indiana. Porter began his music training early. He began piano lessons when he was eight. He wrote his first piece at the age of ten.

Porter wrote 300 songs while he was at school at Yale. Upon graduating, Porter began his law studies at Harvard Law School. Realizing that he did not wish to be an attorney, he switched to studies to music. In 1915, his first Broadway song was an immediate success.

In 1917, At the start of World War I, Porter moved to Paris. He worked to distribute relief supplies for several months. There is some documentation that he may have served in the French Foreign Legion in North Africa. While there, he had a special portable piano constructed so he could carry it with him and entertain troops while on bivouac.

On October 24, 1937, the horse that Porter was riding, fell down on top of him, crushing his legs. He was left crippled and in agonizing pain. His doctors insisted on amputating at least one and possibly both his legs, but Porter refused the procedure. He later underwent more than 30 surgeries, and during the remainder of his life, was beset by pain and depression.

Cole Porter performed exclusively on a Steinway piano and owned one. His piano currently resides in the lobby of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City

video of solo piano music coldplay song yellow

Video Of Solo Piano Music, Coldplay Song ‘Yellow’

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video of solo piano music coldplay song yellow

This is a solo piano version of Coldplay’s hit ‘Yellow’. The transcription is based on the Classic FM ‘Songs Without Words’ album version. In 2000, Coldplay co-produced and released the song ‘Yellow’ for their debut album. The original has various instruments in addition to piano. The song did very well on the charts, reaching #4 on the British Singles Chart. This is the song that generated a lot of excitement for Coldplay and rocketed their career forward. ‘Yellow’ continues to be one of Coldplay’s most popular hit songs.

I am often asked how long it takes for a beginning piano student to be able to play a particular piece of music. This varies greatly, depending on the complexity of the piano arrangement. It’s always possible to take a song and re-arrange it to suit a more beginning student. If piano lessons include instruction on playing by ear, learning theory, and playing blues improvisation, the learning process can often be speeded up. These skills can greatly increase a student’s ability to read music.

billy joel video playing piano singing just the way you are 1977

Billy Joel Video Playing Piano, Singing – Just The Way You Are 1977

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billy joel video playing piano singing just the way you are 1977

“Just the way you are”, is a classic song by Bill Joel, one of the greatest singer, songwriters ever. His music is articulate, inspiring, and original. His piano playing and his voice go so well together.

Billy Joel was born William Martin on May 9, 1949 in The Bronx, New York and lived in Hicksville, New York.

His father, an accomplished pianist, was classically trained. Joel is a prodigious musician, pianist, singer songwriter, and classical composer. His first hit song, “Piano Man”, in 1973, launched his extraordinary career. Billy Joel, according to the RIAA, is the 6th best selling recording artist and the 3rd best selling solo musician in the U.S.

As a child, Joel began piano lessons early. His outstanding work as a songwriter and composed has earned him numerous awards and a worldwide following. His music is some of the finest composed for piano and voice. His agility at the keyboard while singing is a hallmark of his performance. Billy Joel has continued recording music and frequently goes on tour, especially with Elton John.

world's smallest miniature grand piano tokyo japan world's smallest miniature grand piano tokyo japan-above

Video Of The World’s Smallest Miniature Grand Piano, Tokyo Japan

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world's smallest miniature grand piano tokyo stage

This is the word’s smallest grand piano. This miniature piano is 9.8 inches wide x 7 inches high and is fully playable. It’s difficult to play though, since each key is only .16 inches high. That’s one-twentieth the size a full size grand piano. It can be played manually or by computer.

The piano was designed by Japanese games manufacturer Sega, and costs $400. That’s considerably less than a new Steinway. It’s called the Grand Pianist and comes preloaded with either 50 or 100 songs, depending on the model you buy. Taking piano lessons would be a challenge, but it’s perfect for a really small concert, by a really small person. There is also a Hello Kitty model, of course.

world's smallest miniature grand piano tokyo japan world's smallest miniature grand piano tokyo japan-above