{"id":9091,"date":"2022-10-11T10:41:35","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T17:41:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/?p=9091"},"modified":"2023-11-03T14:53:56","modified_gmt":"2023-11-03T21:53:56","slug":"spooky-piano-songs-halloween","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/spooky-piano-songs-halloween\/","title":{"rendered":"21 Spooky Piano Songs for Hallowe&#8217;en 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Hallowe\u2019en is coming up and what better way to celebrate than to play some spooky piano songs in the dead of night? Whether you want to scare your housemates or build an ominous atmosphere, here\u2019s a list \u2014in no particular order\u2014of keyboard-centric spooky songs for this fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><p><strong>Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-theme-from-halloween-john-carpenter-daniel-austin-davies-cody-carpenter\">Theme from Hallowe&#8217;en &#8211; John Carpenter, Daniel Austin Davies, Cody Carpenter<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-theme-from-stranger-things-s-u-r-v-i-v-e\">Theme from Stranger Things &#8211; S U R V I V E<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-toccata-and-fugue-in-d-minor-johann-sebastian-bach\">&#8220;Toccata and Fugue in D Minor&#8221; &#8211; Johann Sebastian Bach<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-piano-sonata-no-14-moonlight-1st-mvt-ludwig-van-beethoven\">Piano Sonata No. 14, &#8220;Moonlight&#8221; (1st Mvt.) &#8211; Ludwig van Beethoven<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-sweet-dreams-are-made-of-this-eurhythmics\">\u201cSweet Dreams (Are Made of This)\u201d &#8211; Eurhythmics<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#6-heads-will-roll-yeah-yeah-yeahs\">&#8220;Heads Will Roll&#8221; &#8211; Yeah Yeah Yeahs<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#7-gnossienne-no-1-erik-satie\">&#8220;Gnossienne No. 1&#8221; &#8211; Erik Satie<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#8-superstition-stevie-wonder\">&#8220;Superstition&#8221; &#8211; Stevie Wonder<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#9-danse-macabre-camille-saint-saens-franz-liszt\">&#8220;Danse macabre&#8221; &#8211; Camille Saint-Sa\u00ebns\/Franz Liszt<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#10-the-phantom-of-the-opera-andrew-lloyd-webber\">&#8220;The Phantom of the Opera&#8221; &#8211; Andrew Lloyd Webber<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#11-marche-funebre-piano-sonata-no-2-3rd-mvt-frederic-chopin\">\u201cMarche fun\u00e8bre\u201d (Piano Sonata No. 2 &#8211; 3rd Mvt.) &#8211; Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Chopin<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#12-mad-world-michael-andrews-and-gary-jules-originally-by-tears-for-fears\">\u201cMad World\u201d &#8211; Michael Andrews and Gary Jules (originally by Tears for Fears)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#13-gaspard-de-la-nuit-maurice-ravel\">&#8220;Gaspard de la nuit&#8221; &#8211; Maurice Ravel<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#14-hedwigs-theme-john-williams-from-harry-potter\">&#8220;Hedwig&#8217;s Theme&#8221; &#8211; John Williams &#8211; from Harry Potter<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#15-suggestion-diabolique-sergei-prokofiev\">\u201cSuggestion diabolique\u201d &#8211; Sergei Prokofiev<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#16-remains-of-the-day-from-corpse-bride-danny-elfman\">\u201cRemains of the Day\u201d from Corpse Bride &#8211; Danny Elfman<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#17-der-erlkonig-franz-schubert\">\u201cDer Erlk\u00f6nig\u201d &#8211; Franz Schubert<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#18-etude-no-13-the-devils-staircase-gyorgy-ligeti\">\u00c9tude No. 13, \u201cThe Devil\u2019s Staircase\u201d &#8211; Gy\u00f6rgy Ligeti<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#19-welcome-to-the-black-parade-my-chemical-romance\">\u201cWelcome to the Black Parade\u201d &#8211; My Chemical Romance<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#20-the-banshee-henry-cowell\">&#8220;The Banshee&#8221; &#8211; Henry Cowell<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#21-in-the-hall-of-the-mountain-king-edvard-grieg\">&#8220;In the Hall of the Mountain King&#8221; &#8211; Edvard Grieg<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h2 style=\"font-size:22px\"><b>\ud83c\udfb9 Your Go-To Place for All Things Piano<\/b><\/h2><p>Subscribe to <i>The Note<\/i> for exclusive interviews, fascinating articles, and inspiring lessons delivered straight to your inbox. Unsubscribe at any time.<\/p><iframe class=\"email-form-include\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/center><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-theme-from-halloween-john-carpenter-daniel-austin-davies-cody-carpenter\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>1. Theme from <em>Hallowe&#8217;en<\/em> &#8211; John Carpenter, Daniel Austin Davies, Cody Carpenter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/halloween-theme\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/halloween-theme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tutorial<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The<em> Hallowe\u2019en<\/em> franchise has been thrilling spooky season movie-goers since the 70s. Part of its appeal lies in its simple yet effective theme. The unnerving chromaticism keeps building and building\u2026but to where?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Play the Halloween Theme - Michael Myers (Easy Piano Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K_FCZwniVIM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:13px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-theme-from-stranger-things-s-u-r-v-i-v-e\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>2. Theme from <em>Stranger Things<\/em> &#8211; S U R V I V E<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/stranger-things\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tutorial<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Stranger Things <\/em>is a modern phenomenon that Netflix watchers have enjoyed even without the creepy context of Hallowe\u2019en. The opening sequence to <em>Stranger Things<\/em> is iconic in its 70s aesthetic. The music itself is a simple arpeggiated Cmaj7 chord, but it creates such a delightfully unsettling atmosphere.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Play The Main Theme From \u201cStranger Things\u201d\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lMHO1qtvxn0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-toccata-and-fugue-in-d-minor-johann-sebastian-bach\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>3. &#8220;Toccata and Fugue in D Minor&#8221; &#8211; Johann Sebastian Bach<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/imslp.org\/wiki\/Toccata_and_Fugue_in_D_minor,_BWV_565_(Bach,_Johann_Sebastian)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheet Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The opening notes of Bach\u2019s &#8220;Toccata and Fugue in D Minor&#8221; are instantly recognizable as the scary tune that dramatically introduces an evil villain. When played on an organ, this piece is also a full-body workout, requiring the organist to play with their feet. There is <a href=\"https:\/\/skeptoid.com\/episodes\/4799\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">some dispute<\/a> over whether the Toccata was actually composed by J.S. Bach.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"J.S. Bach - Toccata and Fugue in D minor BWV 565\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Nnuq9PXbywA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-piano-sonata-no-14-moonlight-1st-mvt-ludwig-van-beethoven\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>4. Piano Sonata No. 14, &#8220;Moonlight&#8221; (1st Mvt.) &#8211; Ludwig van Beethoven<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/moonlight-sonata-easy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tutorial and Sheet Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While not as spooky as many of the other songs on this list, Beethoven\u2019s Piano Sonata No. 14 is definitely a dark song. It\u2019s also a timeless classic and a rite of passage for many pianists. Curiously, Beethoven didn&#8217;t call this sonata &#8220;Moonlight;&#8221; that was a nickname given by a critic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play Moonlight Sonata On The Piano \ud83c\udfb9\ud83c\udf19 + Sheet Music PDF\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IUhdOfY9_4o?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-sweet-dreams-are-made-of-this-eurhythmics\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>5. \u201cSweet Dreams (Are Made of This)\u201d &#8211; Eurhythmics<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have a synth, \u201cSweet Dreams\u201d is a must-play. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/80s-keyboard-riffs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 10 Keyboard Riffs<\/a> of the 80s, we play this riff on the JUNO-106. The original may have originally been played on an Oberheim OB-X, Roland JUNO-6, Roland SH-09, or Roland CSQ-100. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart wrote \u201cSweet Dreams\u201d after having a big fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart - Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) (Official Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qeMFqkcPYcg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-heads-will-roll-yeah-yeah-yeahs\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>6. &#8220;Heads Will Roll&#8221; &#8211; Yeah Yeah Yeahs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Another synth powerhouse, &#8220;Heads Will Roll&#8221; features the aggressive synth sound of a Mellotron Roxy SFX 2 sample. It&#8217;s a lively party song about dancing until you\u2019re dead. The <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/umAL-6-j1Ew?si=Zg25LRsZ_EY5G46y\">A-Trak remix<\/a> is a particularly famous version of this song.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll (Official Music Video)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/auzfTPp4moA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-gnossienne-no-1-erik-satie\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>7. &#8220;Gnossienne No. 1&#8221; &#8211; Erik Satie<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/imslp.org\/wiki\/Gnossiennes_(Satie%2C_Erik)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheet Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With its syncopated beats and abundance of chromatic grace notes, there is something unsettling about Erik Satie\u2019s first Gnossienne. Satie added specific notes to the score like \u201cquestionnez\u201d (questioning) and \u201cde bout de la pens\u00e9e\u201d (end of the thought) that give you an idea of what he may have intended.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"ERIK SATIE Gnossienne 1 - Alessio Nanni, piano\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oOTpQpoHHaw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-superstition-stevie-wonder\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>8. &#8220;Superstition&#8221; &#8211; Stevie Wonder<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s the ultimate funk song! The iconic twang of \u201cSuperstition\u201d\u2019s riff is thanks to the Hohner Clavinet, a sort of electric harpsichord. <a href=\"https:\/\/theconversation.com\/dissecting-stevie-wonders-superstition-50-years-after-we-first-heard-its-infectious-grooves-189551\">Fun fact:<\/a> Stevie Wonder recorded the drums first with no reference but the song in his head, before adding first the keyboard bass line and then the Clavinet.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Stevie Wonder - Superstition (Piano Cover)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/t02EINGMUsM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>What is a Clavinet?<\/b> The Clavinet is an electric keyboard instrument developed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.clavinet.com\/clav.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ernst Zacharias<\/a>, \u201cdesigned to replicate the sound of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/history-of-the-piano\/#clavichord\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Clavichord<\/a> without the Clavichord\u2019s inherent wimpiness.\u201d\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-danse-macabre-camille-saint-saens-franz-liszt\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>9. &#8220;Danse macabre&#8221; &#8211; Camille Saint-Sa\u00ebns\/Franz Liszt<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/s9.imslp.org\/files\/imglnks\/usimg\/d\/d1\/IMSLP01699-Saintsaens-dansemacabre-liszt1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arrangement by Liszt<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liszt\u2019s piano arrangement of Camille Saint-Sa\u00ebn\u2019s orchestral work will make you think of dancing skeletons. It features the infamous <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2017\/10\/31\/560843189\/the-unsettling-sound-of-tritones-the-devils-interval\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">tritone<\/a> (aka an augmented fourth or diminished fifth <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/piano-intervals-music-theory\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">interval<\/a>) that has been nicknamed \u201cthe devil\u2019s interval\u201d for its unsettling sound.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Saint-Sa\u00ebns \/ Liszt: Danse Macabre, Op.40\/S.555 (Cohen)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sSIyW9MfD60?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-the-phantom-of-the-opera-andrew-lloyd-webber\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>10. &#8220;The Phantom of the Opera&#8221; &#8211; Andrew Lloyd Webber<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The titular number from the musical is written by none other than musical theater icon Andrew Lloyd Webber. The story is loosely based on the 1910 novel of the same name by Gaston Leroux, which features a mysterious masked man with a beautiful voice who lives beneath the Paris Opera House.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"&#039;The Phantom of The Opera&#039; Sarah Brightman &amp; Antonio Banderas\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j9qLfyLowjg?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11-marche-funebre-piano-sonata-no-2-3rd-mvt-frederic-chopin\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>11. \u201cMarche fun\u00e8bre\u201d (Piano Sonata No. 2 &#8211; 3rd Mvt.) &#8211; Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Chopin<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/imslp.org\/wiki\/Piano_Sonata_No.2%2C_Op.35_(Chopin%2C_Fr%C3%A9d%C3%A9ric)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheet Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The third movement of Chopin\u2019s Piano Sonata No. 2 in B Flat Minor, the \u201cMarche fun\u00e8bre,\u201d is dark yet majestic. It also sounds <a href=\"https:\/\/pianistmusings.com\/2018\/01\/16\/beethoven-and-star-wars-part-2-the-funeral-imperial-march\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">similar<\/a> to Darth Vader\u2019s theme. More recently, a marching band version of this piece was played during the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/pT9j4mjPSrw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">funeral procession<\/a> of the late Queen Elizabeth II.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fr\u00e9d\u00e9ric Chopin&#039;s Piano Sonata No 2 in B flat minor, Funeral March [HD]\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hZY5DBmgC_A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12-mad-world-michael-andrews-and-gary-jules-originally-by-tears-for-fears\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>12. \u201cMad World\u201d &#8211; Michael Andrews and Gary Jules (originally by Tears for Fears)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/mad-world-piano-tutorial\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tutorial<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Michael Andrews and Gary Jules\u2019 version of \u201cMad World\u201d was made famous by <em>Donnie Darko<\/em> and features a somber, haunting piano part. Disconcerting, existential lyrics make this song cold and foreboding. Perfect for a chilly&#8217;s autumn night.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"How To Play &quot;Mad World&quot; Gary Jules version (Beginner Piano Tutorial)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/VRb6Bobd-28?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13-gaspard-de-la-nuit-maurice-ravel\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>13. &#8220;Gaspard de la nuit&#8221; &#8211; Maurice Ravel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/imslp.org\/wiki\/Gaspard_de_la_nuit_(Ravel%2C_Maurice)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sheet Music<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perfect for advanced pianists seeking an epic challenge, Ravel\u2019s <em>Gaspard de la nuit <\/em>has a reputation for being one of our instrument\u2019s most challenging pieces. Based on a poem by Aloysius Bertrand, its imagery includes mischievous goblins and hanging corpses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ravel. Gaspard de la Nuit - Martha Argerich (Live Saarbru\u0308cken 1972)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/L31ftDLTlog?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14-hedwigs-theme-john-williams-from-harry-potter\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>14. &#8220;Hedwig&#8217;s Theme&#8221; &#8211; John Williams &#8211; from <em>Harry Potter<\/em><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This theme is synonymous with perhaps the most famous franchise of all time, <em>Harry Potter<\/em>. The introductory celesta captures the magic, mystery, and wonder of the boy wizard before the orchestra swoops in and brings the curious listener on an eerie yet wonderful ride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Hedwig&#039;s Theme\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wtHra9tFISY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"box-snippet\">\n<div class=\"shadow\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div><i class=\"fas icon fa-piano\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"text-container\">\n<b>What\u2019s a celesta?<\/b> The celesta is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.celesta-schiedmayer.de\/en\/celesta\/all-about-the-celesta\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">keyboard percussion<\/a> instrument that was invented in 1886 by Victor Mustel. The keys strike a steel plate that is connected to a wooden resonator. The result is a childlike sound that resembles bells. Most famously, a celesta is used in Tchaikovsky\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/gFjveJ5sgeQ?si=da6AHNS0Gcu9UATn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cDance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.\u201d<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15-suggestion-diabolique-sergei-prokofiev\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>15. \u201cSuggestion diabolique\u201d &#8211; Sergei Prokofiev<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t get creepier with a song title like this! With tons of chromaticism, the fourth piece in Prokofiev\u2019s <em>4 Pieces for Piano<\/em> uses dissonance in a clever and careful way to build tension while retaining a memorable theme.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Suggestion Diabolique\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/K4JDGyPG-7M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"16-remains-of-the-day-from-corpse-bride-danny-elfman\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>16. \u201cRemains of the Day\u201d from <em>Corpse Bride<\/em> &#8211; Danny Elfman<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A jingling piano introduces us to this whimsical number from Tim Burton\u2019s stop-motion film <em>Corpse Bride.<\/em> Dancing skeletons and jazzy tunes create a lively if macabre song about how everyone dies one day but that\u2019s okay.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tim Burton&#039;s Corpse Bride main song - Remains of the Day\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j4p9WKnDQzQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"17-der-erlkonig-franz-schubert\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>17. \u201cDer Erlk\u00f6nig\u201d &#8211; Franz Schubert<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of Schubert\u2019s most famous and freaky pieces is \u201cThe Elf King.&#8221; It&#8217;s a <em>lied <\/em>(art song for piano and voice) about a boy who gets murdered by the Elf King while riding a horse with his father. The father, who can\u2019t see the Elf King himself, reassures his child that everything is alright, only to arrive at their destination with a dead son.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Franz Schubert: Erlk\u00f6nig\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JS91p-vmSf0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"18-etude-no-13-the-devils-staircase-gyorgy-ligeti\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>18. \u00c9tude No. 13, \u201cThe Devil\u2019s Staircase\u201d &#8211; Gy\u00f6rgy Ligeti<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Aptly the thirteenth \u00e9tude in a multi-volume set, Ligeti\u2019s devilish study recalls <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Relativity_(M._C._Escher)#\/media\/File:Escher's_Relativity.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Escher\u2019s staircase<\/a>. A notoriously challenging piece, it\u2019s a sinister climb up the keyboard that, like Escher\u2019s illusion, seems to have no end. Which is terrifying.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gy\u00f6rgy Ligeti: \u00c9tude No. 13: L&#039;escalier du diable \/ The Devil\u2019s Staircase\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/uoLam2O3gtY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"19-welcome-to-the-black-parade-my-chemical-romance\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>19. \u201cWelcome to the Black Parade\u201d &#8211; My Chemical Romance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pop punk and emo Millennials will instantly recognize the piano intro to My Chemical Romance\u2019s masterpiece, \u201cWelcome to the Black Parade.\u201d Even <a href=\"https:\/\/www.huffingtonpost.co.uk\/entry\/andrew-lloyd-webber-tiktok-my-chemical-romance_uk_5f9be204c5b6368573d10899\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Andrew Lloyd Webber<\/a> is a fan of the song\u2019s iconic starting note (which is a G5 by the way).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"My Chemical Romance - Welcome To The Black Parade [Official Music Video] [HD]\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RRKJiM9Njr8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"20-the-banshee-henry-cowell\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>20. &#8220;The Banshee&#8221; &#8211; Henry Cowell<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cowell\u2019s 1925 ominous oeuvre requires the pianist to play the <em>strings<\/em>, not the keys, of the instrument, creating a haunting, disembodied sound. This was a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nypl.org\/blog\/2020\/12\/09\/beyond-score-henry-cowells-banshee\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pioneering move<\/a> at the time, and Cowell may have been the first composer to do this, more than a decade before John Cage\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Prepared_piano\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">prepared piano<\/a>. Do check out how this piece is notated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Henry Cowell - &quot;The Banshee&quot; for piano strings (ALLHALLOWTIDE TRIBUTE)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XNQFOpYC0BY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"21-in-the-hall-of-the-mountain-king-edvard-grieg\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong>21. &#8220;In the Hall of the Mountain King&#8221; &#8211; Edvard Grieg<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIn the Hall of the Mountain King\u201d is a tune that even little kids know, but the piano arrangement by Grigory Ginzburg is quite acrobatic and impressive. The piece is from Edvard Grieg\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bellinghamsymphony.org\/learn\/in-the-hall-of-the-mountain-king\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Peer Gynt Suite<\/em><\/a><em>, <\/em>which is incidental (background) music for a play of the same name about a man named Peer who gets captured by trolls.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Denis Matsuev - Grieg \/ Ginzburg: Peer Gynt &quot;In the Hall of the Mountain King&quot;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/0nZhw3wifeY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"blue-text-block\"><center><h3 style=\"font-size:20px;\"><b>Learn Your Favorites, Step By Step With Full Sheet Music Downloads<\/b><\/h3><\/center><p> As a Pianote+ Member, you\u2019ll get access to our 10-step Method, song library, and growing community of piano players just like you. Plus: get coached by world-class pianists who have played with rock stars.<\/p><center><a class=\"join\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/trial\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TRY PIANOTE FOR 7 DAYS<\/a><\/center><br><\/span>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Creep out your friends with a soundtrack full of spooky piano songs. Download sheet music to learn them in time for Hallowe&#8217;en.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":15528,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1132,1108,1106,508],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9091","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-musicianship","category-seasonal","category-song-tutorials"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9091","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9091"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9091\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15820,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9091\/revisions\/15820"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15528"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9091"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9091"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pianote.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9091"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}