SignMyPiano: Romantic Wedding Music

Cantabile in B-flat major, B.84 (Cantabile) composed by Frederic Chopin performed by Jeremiah Jones.

A beautiful, short piece by Chopin... his "Cantabile" in B-flat is a well-known work that provides a few subtle challenges wrapped in simple melody and carried by enchanting harmonies.

I hope that you enjoy my recording of this work - recorded at home on my 1941 Steinway AIII.

Harmony of the Angels Op. 100, No. 21 composed by Johann Friedrich Burgmuller performed by Jeremiah Jones.

A brief work that has some surprisingly difficult dynamics to it. This was recorded at my home on my Steinway A III. I hope that you enjoy this recording.

Clair de Lune (Moonlight) composed by Claude Debussy performed by Jeremiah Jones.

It's finally here! I've had a request for the popular "Clair de lune" more times than any other work. I finally committed to recording this a couple of weeks ago and here it is! I hope that my interpretation and recording will not be a disappointment to those who have patiently waited.

Clair de Lune, translated as "moonlight" is one of Debussy's most popular pieces. It is a beatiful work that has much room for interpretation. In fact, the debates about how this work should be played can become quite heated. Although it was composed in 1882, it was not published until 1926.

Apparently, this piece has had a resurgence of popularity due to the release of the movie Twilight - as it appears as a bonus track on the movie's soundtrack. I've never seen the movie, but if you have, and you liked it, then maybe this recording will mean even more to you.

This recording was completed in my home on my Steinway A III piano. I hope that you enjoy it!

Sonata in F Major K. 300k (332) - II Adagio composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is the 2nd movement of Mozart's Sonata in F Major and is a beautiful piece. I enjoy playing this piece during the calm, quite moments of the evening or early morning hours.

This recording was completed at my home on my studio upright piano.

Partita No. 1 in B flat: Menuet 2 composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is the second of two menuets found in Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat major (Opus 1). I've always enjoyed this brief section of the work and it includes some tricky finger work despite the deceitfully simple harmonies. Bach certainly had a way of emphasizing the subtle harmonies to invigorate the soul! Bach himself wrote the following on the title page of the first volume of the Clavierubung (which consists of the 6 partitas):

Keyboard Training, consisting of Preludes, Allemandes, Courantes, Sarabandes, Gigues, Menuets and other Galanteries, dedicated to Music Lovers for the Pleasure of their Minds

Well Tempered Clavier: Prelude in C Major Original Version composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is a re-recording from my first, "Ave Maria" version of this prelude. I decided to record this work again in the original form which omits measure 23 of my previous recording.

This false measure found its way into many well-known publications despite the fact that it is not authentic. I discovered this several months ago after purchasing Alfred's wonderful edition of the Well Tempered Clavier (book 1). I realized that my first recording was incorrect and decided that I should eventually remake the recording. Several weeks ago I had an astute listener further convince me when he pointed out that my recording was incorrect. So I have finally buckled down and recorded this beautiful prelude in its original form, but still with my own flair.

Prelude No. 9 in E Major BWV 854 composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This prelude is one of my favorites to play when I need to slow down the pace of life. It is a pastorale as indicated by the 3rds in the melody line and the 12/8 time signature. The slow-moving, yet joyful Cantus Firmus is so beautifully augmented by the counterpoint voice. It is always amazing to me to think of the volume of wonderful music that Bach composed.

I hope that you enjoy my interpretation and recording of Bach's Prelude in E Major No. 9.

Partita No. 1 in B flat Major Opus 1 - Sarabande composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This Sarabande is an excerpt from Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat. I have also recorded the Praeludium previously.

I have always loved the serene melody that makes up this Sarabande. I play this piece much slower than is typical in a performance. However, I find it to be so exquisite and sonorous that I can't help but relish in every chord and beat. This is one of those works that I will often pull out at times when I want to reflect or meditate. It is perfect for moments when only music can express the joy and peace that life can and should supply.

Romance sans paroles Op. 17, No. 3 (Romance without Words) composed by Gabriel Faure performed by Jeremiah Jones.

I had never heard of this piece until I recently purchased the book Anthology of Romantic Piano Music published by Alfred and edited by Maurice Hinson. I instantly fell in love with the melody. The canon at measures 40-55 is a bit tricky and I should have given it quite a bit more study and practice, but it is what it is :)

This recording was completed at my home on my studio upright. I hope you enjoy it.

Andantino composed by Cesar Franck performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is a fairly simple work that hides within it Franck's organ technique. Cesar Franck wrote many pieces for the organ and although this is written for piano, the voices within the piece seem reminiscent of an organ work.

This is my first recording after a long "break" from music (I broke my foot and was unable to record for several months). I hope that you will enjoy my recording of this piece - which also happens to be my first piece by this composer.

Duet Op. 38, No. 6 (Songs Without Words - Duetto) composed by Felix Mendelssohn performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This work is one of the pieces in Mendelssohn's Songs without Words (Lieder ohne Worte) and is considered one of his most beautiful works for piano. This piece is a duet between two voices of the piano, and should be played in a way that makes the voices truly sing. The voices alternate throughout the beginning of the work, combine for a masterful climax, and then come together again at the end for a most beautiful coda. The last several measures are particularly beautiful when played as written. The final A-flat and C in the second to last measure should be played with enough emphasis (with the left hand) that the two notes stand out - as they are the two voices combined for their final harmony. This chord should be held down and switched (without releasing the sound) to the right hand so that the left hand and two fingers of the right hand can play the final two chords. These should not be held for too long as the concluding sound of the piece should be the resonating harmony of the duet's voices (the A-flat and C). Careful inspection of the last three measures will make this quite obvious.

This is truly a beautiful work. I have dedicated this recording to my sister, Jenifer, who first introduced me to this piece several years ago. You can read the dedication on my piano blog. This recording was made at my home on my studio upright piano. This piano is much too bright for this work, so the recording is not ideal; but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless.

Sonata Op. 13 No. 8: II Adagio cantabile (Pathetique - Patetica 2nd Movement) composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This recording is the 2nd movement of Beethoven's popular Sonata Pathetique Op. 13 No. 8. The second movement is Adagio cantabile. "Cantabile" indicates that this movement should be played like a song, or something that has a distinct melody that one could sing along with. This piece was composed in 1798 and published the following year.

You can read further commentary on this piece, including a dedicatory note by visiting this page of my piano blog.

This selection was recorded at my home on my studio upright piano.

Scenes from Childhood Op. 15, No. 13 (Der Dichter spricht - The Poet Speaks) composed by Robert Schumann performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece is one of the short pieces presented in Schumann's Opus 15, Scenes from Childhood. This is the final piece in the Opus and can be interpreted a thousand different ways.

I have always loved this work. Perhaps because I love poetry so much? In any case, this short piece is both inspirational and thought-provoking.

I have dedicated this recording to a wonderful woman, Judy Stockett and her dear husband, Jerry Stockett. You can read my full dedication to them on my SignMyPiano blog or by clicking here.

Nocturne in E Minor Op. 72, No. 1 (posthumous) composed by Frederic Chopin performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This Nocturne was one of Chopin's earliest known Nocturnes and was composed in 1827 when Chopin was only 17 years old. However, Chopin never desired the work to be published and so it was not published until 1855 after his death.

This work is one of my favorite of Chopin's Nocturnes. It was recorded at my home on my studio upright. If you enjoy listening to this piece, please consider making a donation towards my future Steinway Model B Piano.

Nocturne in E-flat Major Op. 9 No. 2 composed by Frederic Chopin performed by Jeremiah Jones.

I am a little rusty on this nocturne, and unfortunately, it shows! However, I couldn't help recording this for Mother's day because it has special meaning to my wife and me. So I am dedicating the recording of this Nocturne to my beloved wife. Happy Mother's Day!

Sonata in C Major K. 300h (330) - Andante cantabile composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is the Andante section of Mozart's Sonata in C Major. Although the Sonata begins and concludes in C Major, this particular excerpt from the piece is in F Major. It was composed in the summer of 1778.

I am dedicating this recording to my dear mother. Mozart is her favorite composer and I have grown to adore this andante section of the sonata.

Visit www.signmypiano.com to learn how you can sign your name to my piano and be a part of my music!

Serenada composed by Franz Schubert performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece is one of Schubert's vocal pieces arranged for piano solo by Franz Liszt. It has become a very popular piece for voice as well as many other instruments.

This recording is dedicated to my dear mother-in-law. This is one of her favorite classical works.

This recording was completed at my home on my upright piano. If you would like to learn how you can be a part of my music, please visit www.lisztonian.com and click on the "Sign My Piano" button.

Largo BI 109 composed by Frederic Chopin performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This brief piece, composed by Frederic Chopin, has a majestic beauty. The melody is reminiscent of one of his many Nocturnes, while the accompanying harmonies are almost hymnal - even concluding with a fifth-to-dominant cadence that is such a common ending in church service music (although this piece is more subtle than a typical hymn).

This recording was another from the collection, Classical Music for the Church Service: Volume 2 (published by Alfred - my favorite sheet music publisher). The recording was performed at my home on my studio upright. If you enjoy this recording, please consider making a donation towards the purchase of a new piano.

Deux Arabesques: I (Two Arabesques for Piano) composed by Claude Debussy performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This arabaseque is the first of two arabesques that are associated together (although they were composed several years apart). It was written while Debussy was still rather young (26 years old) and is not considered to be representative of his impressionist style that is generally associated with his name. However, there are certain aspects of his style that are apparent even in this early work.

For study, I used Alfred's Masterwork Edition edited by Lynn Freeman Olson.

This recording is dedicated to the Robertsons who acted as my parents-away-from-home while I lived in Japan for two years doing volunteer missionary service for my church. Thank you for your compassion, patience, love, and sincere friendship.

This recording was completed at home on my studio upright. This piece was particularly difficult to record on my upright due to the sensitive dynamics present throughout the work. Much of the interpretation and have attempted to convey is lost in the limitations of the piano. If you have enjoyed my recordings, please consider being apart of improving future recordings by signing my piano! If not, I hope you will still continue to enjoy the free music :)

Arietta Op. 12, No. 1 (Arietta) composed by Edvard Grieg performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is another recording from the music book Classical Music for the Church Service: Volume II by Alfred. I really enjoy the simple, yet beautiful melody of this work. I've always enjoyed playing pieces where the accompanying harmony interchanges between both hands. This was recorded at my home on my studio upright. If you would like to help improve the quality of my recordings and be honored at the same time, then click here to see how you can help!

Larghetto in F composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is my first recording of a set I am planning from the music book Classical Music for the Church Service: Volume II by Alfred. This was recorded at my home on my studio upright.

Apres Une Reve (After a Dream) composed by Gabriel Faure performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This work is an extremely popular piece that has been transcribed for many instruments, including piano. My piano professor gave this piece to me as a Christmas gift during the first year of my studies.

Consolation in E Major No. 1 composed by Franz Liszt performed by Jeremiah Jones.

The six consolations by Franz Liszt are deeply emotional and inspiring pieces. Each one has so many different ways of being interpreted. Each performance should be unique and draw on the emotions of the performer and listeners.

This recording is from a live performance from January of 2003. It was recorded using a nine-foot concert grand piano.

Dedication composed by Robert Schumann performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece is a bit deceiving... Liszt actually composed two primary versions of this piece, one that is more simplified, and the other, which is the more commonly performed. This is the more simplified version of the piece. At the time I purchased it (many years ago) I didn't even know what it was, nor did I know that there was a more complex version. I have since heard the "real" version performed live many times, and own several different recordings of it. It is definitely on my "to-do" list of recordings.

Dreaming composed by Robert Schumann performed by Jeremiah Jones.

I will never forget watching Vladmir Horowitz's performance of this in his famous Moscow concert. Obviously I was not there in person, but I have watched my copy of that performance over and over again. Seeing that performance is what drew me to want to record this piece, which then led me to record several others among the "Scenes from Childhood" of which "Dreaming" is only one segment.

Foreign Lands and People - from Kinderszenen composed by Robert Schumann performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is from the "Scenes from Childhood" set of works that Schumann composed. This is one that I always enjoyed playing and experimenting with the pedalling.

Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece was originally part of a larger work but was transcribed to piano and given the title "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring." It is often played for weddings and other significant events.

This recording was made on a studio upright piano.

Nocturne in A flat Major No. 3 (Liebestraume - Dream of Love - Love Dreams) composed by Franz Liszt performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece I have always lovingly dedicated to my grandmother. During the Great Depression, she used to listen to this song and it would uplift and lighten her spirit. She often requested that I perform this piece at her funeral. Her request was humbly granted at the time of her passing.

This piece is one of Liszt's most popular piano pieces and remains a personal favorite of mine.

Op. 27, No. 2 Adagio Sostenuto (Moonlight Sonata 1st Movement) composed by Ludwig Van Beethoven performed by Jeremiah Jones.

An all-time favorite of so many people... including my father. I recorded this in a music room while at college as a Father's day gift for my dad. This is one of his favorite works. Please note that this recording only includes the famous 1st movement.

Prelude in C Major (Ave Maria) composed by Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Jeremiah Jones.

I play this one much more slowly than most do... I guess I just like it that way. This piece has been arranged, re-arranged, and arranged again for many instruments and combinations of instruments. It is definitely a "classic" and is often heard at weddings and other significant events.

Prelude in D-flat Major Op. 28 No. 15 (Raindrop Prelude) composed by Frederic Chopin performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This piece was the first classical work that I fell in love with. In fact, this was the gateway that led to my love for the piano and my endeavor to study and practice. I heard it as "background" music for a popular Japanese film (I believe it was titles "Dreams") back in high school. Upon hearing the music, I went home and rummaged through my mother's sheet music collection until I found a copy of this piece. I played it over and over until I had committed it to memory. Although this was not the "tipping point" for me and the piano, it was definitely a key point in my love for classical music.