SignMyPiano: Romantic Wedding Music

Woodland Sketches Op. 51, No. 1 (To a Wild Rose) composed by Edward MacDowell performed by Jeremiah Jones.

This is a very well-known melody by the American composer, Edward MacDowell. He has wonderful music, including this piece, and I encourage pianists everywhere to get to know his music. I hope to record several more of his works over the coming months and years.

This piece is often played as prelude or postlude in churches or for weddings. It has a beautiful melody and is accompanied by an equally beautiful harmonic progression.

As my first recording of an American composer, I hope that you enjoy it!

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.