Sergei Prokofiev 1891-1953

These are just a few of the kid-friendly music facts you’re students can read about in The Right Notes.

• Sergei Prokofiev was born in Ukraine, part of the former USSR. He learned chess by age seven and excelled at it throughout his life, even once beating a chess master!

• At age 13, Prokofiev was the youngest student ever to be admitted to the St. Petersburg Conservatory (a music college). He won the top prize awarded by his school, and became a concert pianist who toured many countries.

• His compositions were always new and creative, prompting his teachers to disapprove of his works since he was always “breaking the rules” of composition. Undaunted, Prokofiev experimented even further and became famous for his distinct style.

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Illustration by Heidi Cabrera.

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Symphony

Symphony

Do you want to explain what a symphony is to the young protege in your life? Here is a simple definition:

• A “symphony” is a composition usually written for an orchestra to play.

• Most symphonies have three or four movements.

• One very famous symphony is Franz Joseph Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony.” It begins quietly and then suddenly, SURPRISE! –the orchestra plays a loud chord, waking up anyone who has dozed off!

To learn more, visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera.

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Sonata

Some interesting facts about sonatas and particularly, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.

• A “sonata” is often written for a solo instrument.

• Most sonatas have two or more separate sections called “movements.” They can be so different that they don’t even sound like the same piece!

• A “sonatina” is a small sonata—usually shorter and easier to play than a sonata.

• One of the most famous piano sonatas is Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata." The sonata received its name when a music critic, after hearing the sonata played, remarked that the piece made him think of moonlight reflecting off a lake.

To learn more, visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera.
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Piano Recital

So much of modern piano culture has a rich past to it. Share some of that history and see your students adopt a new outlook on simple things like recitals.


• Franz Liszt invented the first “solo piano recital.” Before Liszt, solo performers played only in programs that included other players. He and pianist Clara Schumann were among the first solo pianists to play complete programs by memory—which is now the standard.

• Pianist Jan Dussek was the first to perform with the piano turned sideways to the audience. This allowed the audience to see him better. Franz Liszt did the same and played with the piano lid open so that the sound would fill the entire room.

• Today, pianists bow after they perform to thank the audience. After bowing, the performer walks off the stage. If the audience continues to clap after a bow or two, many pianists perform an “encore,” an additional piece not included in the original program.

To learn more, visit Alberti Publishing.

Illustration by Heidi Cabrera.