One evening, after a truly rotten day, I came home feeling drained and out of sorts. Traffic had been terrible, practicing had been a hard slog, and there was this difficult meeting situation. I badly needed a mental health timeout. 

I greeted my family, threw dinner into the oven, and went into my studio. I think I meant to just sit still for a while and be quiet. But, what I actually did totally surprised me. I went to the piano, opened the first volume of Bach’s WTC, and began to play the first Prelude. The simplicity of it combined with the gorgeous harmonies and ever changing kaleidoscope of colors cleared my head. I honestly don’t know how I knew to do that. I do know it was a valuable lesson in self-care that has stood me in good stead over the years.

Sometimes we all need to play something expressive—something that grounds us and is completely in our wheelhouse. Something we can mold and where we can throw away the rule book. Something where we can truly experience the play in playing the piano. It is satisfying and centering and I still don’t do enough of it.

I’ve put together a list of seven of my favorite pieces to play when I’m feeling a need for expressive connection. The pieces range from middle intermediate to advanced levels. Some of them are solos and others are for you and musical friends to enjoy together (once everyone is out and about again).

There are quite a few online sheet music platforms with selections ranging from Bach to Klezmer to Pop. Some of the pieces are as originally written for solo piano and some are arrangements. Some sites provide play along tracks (not those old school, no frills, robotic tracks either), multiple levels, and/or color coded levels.

Without further ado, here are my pics for pieces to play when you’re feeling expressive. I hope they will soon become yours. They’re in alphabetical order. I can’t choose among these ‘children’.  

étude en forme de Habanera, Maurice Ravel 

Here’s one for you and a friend. I’ve played this with flute, cello, violin, and once even with trombone! I take a virtual trip to Spain every time I play it. My teacher used to wonder how it was that the French could sometimes write better Spanish music than the Spaniards. This Habanera is right up there with the best.  The score I used is for flute and piano but you can absolutely play it with your violin friends as well. 

Nocturne, No. 1 C Major  – Sans trainer, Francis Poulenc

I first heard this piece when I was in college and immediately went out and bought the score. I’ve played and taught it many times over the years and I still love Poulenc’s unapologetic sentimentality and oh those lovely phrase extensions. Did I mention the coda ala Schumann? One of my mentors once advised me to play it like I was sitting at the end of a Paris bar smoking a cigarette. Clearly a number of years ago but ladies don’t tell. Also I don’t smoke and never have? 

Pavane, Op 50, Gabriel Faure

Faure’s Pavane is beloved by artists and audiences alike. There are versions of it for just about every instrumental combination you can imagine. The arrangement I played is for piano and violin (you can also play it with your flute friends). Again we have the French and Spanish connection. The Pavane is a 16thCentury Spanish court processional with a slow majestic character. Faure’s modern Pavane is deep and satisfying and very, very French.

Piano Concerto, No 20 d min K466- 2. Romance, W.A. Mozart

I first performed this piece live with a digital keyboard orchestra. I think Mozart would have gotten a kick out of it. The site I used provided a balanced accompaniment that was easy to stay with. Talk about moldable phrases. I would play it five times a day if I could. My family tells me that is an understatement and the word intervention has been mentioned.

Romances, Op. 34 No. 14 Vocalise, Sergei Rachmaninoff

This gorgeous song without words is treasured worldwide.  Artists from all genres have performed and recorded it. One of my teachers once called it the essence of Rachmaninoff without all the grand gestures. 

Scarborough Fair, Traditional

Sometimes you just want to play a folk tune and this one is so iconic I had to include it. I still love the Simon and Garfunkle version best. But, whatever the arrangement, Scarbourough Fair never fails to help my attitude. Try playing it as a solo, with a friend, or have a sing along. 

Suite in D Major, Aria,  J.S Bach

This Aria is another iconic piece beloved by artists of all genres. The long soaring lines against the baroque walking bass are so very satisfying to mold. It’s fun to change up how detached you play the bass notes as well. The one I played had multiple versions including one for violin and keyboard which is lovely to play with a flute friend as well. Have a friend who plays the Bass? Perfect. Trios are fun too.  

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