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Chris at the Piano
Chris Caton-Greasley LLCM(TD) MA (Mus)(Open)
Composer, Ethnographic Musicologist, Public Speaker, Researcher & Teacher
Using 30 years of teaching music
to provide an innovative, intuitive and individualised guide to achieving the goals that you want in the music you love.
Blog
Bach Chorales and Kitson's Elementary Harmony: A Powerful Duo for Advanced Piano Study
For intermediate and advanced piano students, the journey toward mastery often involves delving deeper into the theoretical underpinnings of music. While many resources exist, the combination of studying Bach Chorales alongside C.H. Kitson's "Elementary Harmony" presents a particularly potent and often overlooked approach. This pairing offers a holistic and practical pathway to developing a profound understanding of harmony, counterpoint, and musical structure, directly enhan
Oct 314 min read
Unveiling 'Au Clair de la Lune': History, Melody, and First Sounds
"Au clair de la lune" is a beloved traditional French children's song, often translated as "By the light of the moon" or "In the moonlight." The straightforward lyrics narrate the tale of a man named Lubin, who requests a quill from his neighbor Pierrot to write a letter because his candle has extinguished. Pierrot, comfortably in bed, suggests that Lubin ask the neighbor instead.
Jul 234 min read
About The Can-Can
The lively and energetic 'Can-Can,' instantly recognizable for its high kicks and vibrant rhythm, is far more than just a dance. It's a cultural phenomenon with a rich history deeply intertwined with music, society, and entertainment. Often associated with the Belle Époque era in Paris, its origins, evolution, and musical characteristics offer fascinating insights for any student of music or history.
Jul 232 min read
Who Was The Grand Old Duke of York?
The Grand Old Duke of York is one of Britain's most enduring and recognisable nursery rhymes. While seemingly a simple children's song,...
Jul 235 min read
What is an Etude?
An étude is a musical composition, usually short, designed to improve a musician's technical skills on a particular instrument. It's...
Jul 233 min read
Exploring Edvard Grieg's "Morning"
"Morning" is one of the most famous pieces by the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). It is part of his incidental music for Henrik Ibsen's play Peer Gynt, first performed in 1876. The music is played during Act IV, Scene 1, as the sun rises over the desert in North Africa.
Jul 233 min read
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