I will be moving my existing piano blog to a new address:
http://playpianotips.com/blog
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Clavinova, Yamaha Clavinova
I had a digital piano a few years ago - clavinova. It has many wonderful features.
Digital piano is an innovative product. True to modern day technology, with the iPods all over, these pianos are designed and styled like acoustic pianos with added enhancements that enable the users to load and save songs. Neat, right? There is more - a Clavinova can be connected to computers through USB and even supports wireless. That is some serious combination of two totally different worlds. The CLP and CVP series of Clavinovas from Yamaha Corporation are a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
CLP Series
Anybody interested in taking home the digital alternative of acoustic pianos can opt for CLP series Clavinovas. The pianos in the CLP series strive to precisely reproduce the sound and the feel of the acoustic pianos. The CLP series keeps the grandeur of the acoustic piano’s sound intact. The GH keyboard technology that is used in most of the pianos from this series allows exceptional expressiveness and excellent playability.
The clavinovas in the CLP series are designed stylishly and they look attractive. The CLP pianos are equipped with polyphony, song recorder, sliding key cover, headphone jacks and hanger, built-in demonstration piano songs along with their respective sheet music, powerful amplifiers, sampling banks, PC interface, USB to Device data storage, metronome, MIDI, digital Reverb, dual split, three foot pedals, Instrumental Active Field Control (iAFC), Advance Wave Memory (AWM), Graded Hammer Effect, etc.
Playing on a Clavinova sounds very much like playing on a grand piano. The velocity sensor in the CLP series pianos allows the pianists to attempt playing a note repeatedly with flawless articulation. Many of the CLP pianos are endowed with Spatial Effect, Dynamic Damper effect, etc, which enhances the acoustic effect of the music produced by the pianos. The latest product from Yamaha Corporation in this series is the CLP 2XX range, with state-of-the-art features. Modern tech coming to good use, eh?
CVP Series
The pianos in the CVP series of Yamaha offers a wide variety of voices, built-in rhythms, accompaniments, etc. This enables the performances to be recorded and played, with the help of sequencing software that is built in. The CVP series clavinovas possess a grand and dignified look that is attributed generally to the grand pianos. The delicate nuances that are present in the sound of an acoustic piano are captured and reproduced authentically by the CVP clavinovas.
The natural wood keyboard of the CVP pianos and the sophisticated technology incorporated in them recreates the feel of playing on a grand piano. The sound response of the pianos differs according to the key position and velocity. The weight gradation of the piano keys in the CVP clavinovas gives a feeling of touching a real grand piano.
Most of the Clavinovas from the CVP series are equipped with dynamic stereo sampling, advanced wave memory, instrumental active field control, and mega voice technology. One can create one’s own arrangements and write one’s music with the CVP Clavinovas.
The Inbuilt optical out terminal allows the pianists to send the digital audio, for recording to another device. A USB can be used to load the music to a computer and then they can be written into CD’s with CD writing software, installed in the computer. The latest series in the CVP series is the CVP 30 X range.
A clavinova is an exquisitely designed digital piano, which uses digital technology to enhance the sound of an acoustic piano. They give the look and feel of a grand piano. With the realistic voices, backing styles, expressiveness, acoustic effect like a grand piano, Clavinovas can create magic. For the true feel of a grand piano enhanced by new technology, play on a Clavinova!
Clavinova…is it the modern day piano supernova?
If you enjoy this post, you will enjoy my piano newsletters!
Digital piano is an innovative product. True to modern day technology, with the iPods all over, these pianos are designed and styled like acoustic pianos with added enhancements that enable the users to load and save songs. Neat, right? There is more - a Clavinova can be connected to computers through USB and even supports wireless. That is some serious combination of two totally different worlds. The CLP and CVP series of Clavinovas from Yamaha Corporation are a perfect blend of modernity and tradition.
CLP Series
Anybody interested in taking home the digital alternative of acoustic pianos can opt for CLP series Clavinovas. The pianos in the CLP series strive to precisely reproduce the sound and the feel of the acoustic pianos. The CLP series keeps the grandeur of the acoustic piano’s sound intact. The GH keyboard technology that is used in most of the pianos from this series allows exceptional expressiveness and excellent playability.
The clavinovas in the CLP series are designed stylishly and they look attractive. The CLP pianos are equipped with polyphony, song recorder, sliding key cover, headphone jacks and hanger, built-in demonstration piano songs along with their respective sheet music, powerful amplifiers, sampling banks, PC interface, USB to Device data storage, metronome, MIDI, digital Reverb, dual split, three foot pedals, Instrumental Active Field Control (iAFC), Advance Wave Memory (AWM), Graded Hammer Effect, etc.
Playing on a Clavinova sounds very much like playing on a grand piano. The velocity sensor in the CLP series pianos allows the pianists to attempt playing a note repeatedly with flawless articulation. Many of the CLP pianos are endowed with Spatial Effect, Dynamic Damper effect, etc, which enhances the acoustic effect of the music produced by the pianos. The latest product from Yamaha Corporation in this series is the CLP 2XX range, with state-of-the-art features. Modern tech coming to good use, eh?
CVP Series
The pianos in the CVP series of Yamaha offers a wide variety of voices, built-in rhythms, accompaniments, etc. This enables the performances to be recorded and played, with the help of sequencing software that is built in. The CVP series clavinovas possess a grand and dignified look that is attributed generally to the grand pianos. The delicate nuances that are present in the sound of an acoustic piano are captured and reproduced authentically by the CVP clavinovas.
The natural wood keyboard of the CVP pianos and the sophisticated technology incorporated in them recreates the feel of playing on a grand piano. The sound response of the pianos differs according to the key position and velocity. The weight gradation of the piano keys in the CVP clavinovas gives a feeling of touching a real grand piano.
Most of the Clavinovas from the CVP series are equipped with dynamic stereo sampling, advanced wave memory, instrumental active field control, and mega voice technology. One can create one’s own arrangements and write one’s music with the CVP Clavinovas.
The Inbuilt optical out terminal allows the pianists to send the digital audio, for recording to another device. A USB can be used to load the music to a computer and then they can be written into CD’s with CD writing software, installed in the computer. The latest series in the CVP series is the CVP 30 X range.
A clavinova is an exquisitely designed digital piano, which uses digital technology to enhance the sound of an acoustic piano. They give the look and feel of a grand piano. With the realistic voices, backing styles, expressiveness, acoustic effect like a grand piano, Clavinovas can create magic. For the true feel of a grand piano enhanced by new technology, play on a Clavinova!
Clavinova…is it the modern day piano supernova?
If you enjoy this post, you will enjoy my piano newsletters!
Beethoven Sonatas

Beethoven is not a new name to the world of music. For the music buffs he is an inspiring icon. Beethoven’s musical genius has inspired generations and is continuing to do so. He immortalized himself in the world of music with his sonatas. He composed music for operas, sonatas, quartets, pianos, violin concerts and orchestras. The talented musician’s famous compositions are the Moonlight sonata, Fur Elise and Fifth and the Ninth symphonies.
Genius In The Making
Beethoven was born in the year 1770, on the 16th day of December in Bonn, Germany. Coming from a family of musicians, he showed his inclination towards music, even when he was young. He was gifted in music even as a child, and began performing in public at the tender age of six. He became a professional at the age of 13. He had to fight hearing impairment but emerged brave by countering the problem and composing beautiful tunes. The illustrious musician died at 56 but he still lives on, through his wonderful music. Such is the genius of Beethoven.
Beethoven’s Sonatas
Beethoven composed over thirty two piano sonatas and each of them is considered to be a precious treasure in the world of music. He played a pivotal role in the evolution and transformation of the sonata form. Many traits followed by his predecessors like Mozart and Haydn were sustained in his sonatas but he projected his personality and emotions through them and made sonatas, an impressive art form.
The tonality is the fundamental principle on which Beethoven’s piano sonatas are organized. Beethoven considered tonality vital for understanding any kind of musical form. In the thirty two sonatas composed by him, twelve of the sonatas have four parts, thirteen comprise three parts and remaining seven sonatas consist of two parts. A significant aspect of the Beethoven’s Sonata is the distinguished diversity of the movement types and the succession order. The distinct feature of his sonatas is the diligence with which he creates a connection between the constituent parts of the Sonata.
Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14
The piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor by Beethoven is known popularly as the Moonlight Sonata. He completed the sonata in the year 1810. During the composition of this piano Sonata, Beethoven began to lose his hearing faculty. He used a custom made rod that was attached to the soundboard of the piano. This helped him to sense the vibrations. The name of the sonata is ‘Moonlight Sonata’ since it is compared to moonlight which shines on lake Lucerne by a music critic, Ludwig Rellstab.
Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 in C Minor
Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 in C minor is called Pathetique. In 1799, this piano sonata was published. The work was dedicated to Prince Karl Von Lichnowsky, his friend. The beauty of the sonata is its tragic sonorities. The sonata has been performed in concerts and recordings frequently, owing to its popularity.
The musical theme of Beethoven’s Sonata allures the listeners. The musical theme in his compositions becomes a concept that pervades throughout the composition. Beethoven’s piano sonatas are played by both amateurs and professionals alike. His compositions are performed by pianists worldwide and are even recorded extensively.
The gifted musician has reflected his sorrows, joys and all kinds of emotions through his compositions. How else do you describe music? Is it not a channel to describe yourself, your emotions? His brave fight against the odds like his hearing disability did not stop him from composing and playing beautiful music. Playing his sonatas on a piano is like reading the life of this gifted and illustrious musician, full of all the colors and hues of human life – full of music – full of…Beethoven.
Genius In The Making
Beethoven was born in the year 1770, on the 16th day of December in Bonn, Germany. Coming from a family of musicians, he showed his inclination towards music, even when he was young. He was gifted in music even as a child, and began performing in public at the tender age of six. He became a professional at the age of 13. He had to fight hearing impairment but emerged brave by countering the problem and composing beautiful tunes. The illustrious musician died at 56 but he still lives on, through his wonderful music. Such is the genius of Beethoven.
Beethoven’s Sonatas
Beethoven composed over thirty two piano sonatas and each of them is considered to be a precious treasure in the world of music. He played a pivotal role in the evolution and transformation of the sonata form. Many traits followed by his predecessors like Mozart and Haydn were sustained in his sonatas but he projected his personality and emotions through them and made sonatas, an impressive art form.
The tonality is the fundamental principle on which Beethoven’s piano sonatas are organized. Beethoven considered tonality vital for understanding any kind of musical form. In the thirty two sonatas composed by him, twelve of the sonatas have four parts, thirteen comprise three parts and remaining seven sonatas consist of two parts. A significant aspect of the Beethoven’s Sonata is the distinguished diversity of the movement types and the succession order. The distinct feature of his sonatas is the diligence with which he creates a connection between the constituent parts of the Sonata.
Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14
The piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor by Beethoven is known popularly as the Moonlight Sonata. He completed the sonata in the year 1810. During the composition of this piano Sonata, Beethoven began to lose his hearing faculty. He used a custom made rod that was attached to the soundboard of the piano. This helped him to sense the vibrations. The name of the sonata is ‘Moonlight Sonata’ since it is compared to moonlight which shines on lake Lucerne by a music critic, Ludwig Rellstab.
Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 in C Minor
Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 in C minor is called Pathetique. In 1799, this piano sonata was published. The work was dedicated to Prince Karl Von Lichnowsky, his friend. The beauty of the sonata is its tragic sonorities. The sonata has been performed in concerts and recordings frequently, owing to its popularity.
The musical theme of Beethoven’s Sonata allures the listeners. The musical theme in his compositions becomes a concept that pervades throughout the composition. Beethoven’s piano sonatas are played by both amateurs and professionals alike. His compositions are performed by pianists worldwide and are even recorded extensively.
The gifted musician has reflected his sorrows, joys and all kinds of emotions through his compositions. How else do you describe music? Is it not a channel to describe yourself, your emotions? His brave fight against the odds like his hearing disability did not stop him from composing and playing beautiful music. Playing his sonatas on a piano is like reading the life of this gifted and illustrious musician, full of all the colors and hues of human life – full of music – full of…Beethoven.
If you enjoy this post, you will enjoy my piano newsletters!

Friday, September 12, 2008
Baby Grand Pianos

Pianos are one of the most popular musical instruments throughout the world, and arguably the most famous, as also versatile. Do you know piano is actually pianoforte, formally? Grand pianos are, simply put, full size pianos. These pianos are ideally meant for large spacious rooms and concerts, etc., and the sound from these pianos is more real than on other pianos. Baby grand pianos are smaller versions of grand pianos, primarily built for ‘everyday use’ in homes.
The sole problem a piano lover had to deal with was size of the piano. Not any more – with a cute and attractive baby grand piano, its lovely curves and strings, he can have his piano and play it, too! The design has a much smaller footprint, while maintaining the sound quality as true as possible. If you still want to go for the truest sound, you would consider the original grand piano. Baby grand piano is an owner’s and a pianist’s delight. Baby grand pianos are elegant and affordable, and unlike their bigger counterparts, can be used as an ornament in the living room.
Baby Grand Pianos: Feature Set
Baby Grand pianos are usually shorter in dimensions, and the strings are thick and short when compared to full size grand. Although purists say the sound produced by these pianos is inharmonious, for a normal user, this piano does fit the bill, and the sound is definitely not as bad as many may have you believe. Grand pianos are first of all huge, then hugely expensive. Baby pianos on the other hand are small, can fit in your rooms, are elegant and affordable, too. They are mostly made of wood like oak, mahogany, etc. There are many antique baby pianos which are breathtakingly beautiful for their artistry.
Baby Grand Pianos: Sound
Baby grand pianos are smaller in size, but the sound they generate is not small in any way. While it is true that if we were to achieve the same level of true sound as a grand piano, then the cost would escalate manifold, but that doesn’t mean that baby grand pianos sound bad. They sound remarkably close to grand pianos, and first time users will not be able to make out the difference. Somehow, these pianos seem to add sheen and beauty to any living room. A baby grand piano makes the room look majestic, artistic and adds to the glamour. And of course, it can fill the room with sound that is not easily described.
Baby Grand Pianos: Space Constraints
There are none! This aesthetic instrument is around 5 ft. in height, even lesser in some cases. This makes it easy to fit in any room with ease. They must be placed away from the radiator, ceiling vent or heat, wall, door, window, etc. The pianos must be ideally placed in a room, where the temperature is constant and moderate. This will make them durable, since they are made of wood, predominantly.
Baby Grand Pianos: Room Acoustics and Furnishing
The tone of the piano is invariably affected by the room acoustics, where the piano is placed. The sound generated from any instrument reverberates and reflects from the floors, walls, windows, etc. The reverberation time is shorter in small living rooms. Hardwood floors are good sound reflectors. So, the tone of the piano is enhanced and the sound becomes lovelier and livelier. The furnishings in a room like the hangings, tapestries, etc have the capacity of absorbing, reflecting and scattering sound. Rooms with adequate furnishing can sometimes affect of the sound of the baby piano, since the sound is reflected. Place your baby grand piano in the room where it sounds best.
Baby Grand Pianos: One Click Away?
The internet has just totally spoilt us. Baby Grand pianos too, like many other instruments, can be bought online. A few popular brands of the pianos are Stuyvesant, Baldwin, Bergmann and Breitenbach. Online shopping offers a gamut of brands to choose from. There are sites which offer a worthy bargain, through bids. However, if you wish to test the sound of the piano before buying, you will have to visit the shop – presently the internet doesn’t have a substitute to this!
The attractive sound of the baby grand pianos has won many hearts and is one of the primary reasons for its popularity. The musicians who have limited financial resources can get a baby grand piano and enjoy the experience of mastering their music on it. No more do you require a mansion to get a piano, and no more do you require a fortune to make one yours. Baby grand pianos are the ideal choice for normal households with normal budgets. These pianos can be an asset for a pianist or a piano enthusiast. It can also decorate the room in which it is placed. A baby grand piano kept in a room can be the cynosure of all eyes for its sheer brilliance, compactness, beauty and allure!
I want a baby! (Piano)
The sole problem a piano lover had to deal with was size of the piano. Not any more – with a cute and attractive baby grand piano, its lovely curves and strings, he can have his piano and play it, too! The design has a much smaller footprint, while maintaining the sound quality as true as possible. If you still want to go for the truest sound, you would consider the original grand piano. Baby grand piano is an owner’s and a pianist’s delight. Baby grand pianos are elegant and affordable, and unlike their bigger counterparts, can be used as an ornament in the living room.
Baby Grand Pianos: Feature Set
Baby Grand pianos are usually shorter in dimensions, and the strings are thick and short when compared to full size grand. Although purists say the sound produced by these pianos is inharmonious, for a normal user, this piano does fit the bill, and the sound is definitely not as bad as many may have you believe. Grand pianos are first of all huge, then hugely expensive. Baby pianos on the other hand are small, can fit in your rooms, are elegant and affordable, too. They are mostly made of wood like oak, mahogany, etc. There are many antique baby pianos which are breathtakingly beautiful for their artistry.
Baby Grand Pianos: Sound
Baby grand pianos are smaller in size, but the sound they generate is not small in any way. While it is true that if we were to achieve the same level of true sound as a grand piano, then the cost would escalate manifold, but that doesn’t mean that baby grand pianos sound bad. They sound remarkably close to grand pianos, and first time users will not be able to make out the difference. Somehow, these pianos seem to add sheen and beauty to any living room. A baby grand piano makes the room look majestic, artistic and adds to the glamour. And of course, it can fill the room with sound that is not easily described.
Baby Grand Pianos: Space Constraints
There are none! This aesthetic instrument is around 5 ft. in height, even lesser in some cases. This makes it easy to fit in any room with ease. They must be placed away from the radiator, ceiling vent or heat, wall, door, window, etc. The pianos must be ideally placed in a room, where the temperature is constant and moderate. This will make them durable, since they are made of wood, predominantly.
Baby Grand Pianos: Room Acoustics and Furnishing
The tone of the piano is invariably affected by the room acoustics, where the piano is placed. The sound generated from any instrument reverberates and reflects from the floors, walls, windows, etc. The reverberation time is shorter in small living rooms. Hardwood floors are good sound reflectors. So, the tone of the piano is enhanced and the sound becomes lovelier and livelier. The furnishings in a room like the hangings, tapestries, etc have the capacity of absorbing, reflecting and scattering sound. Rooms with adequate furnishing can sometimes affect of the sound of the baby piano, since the sound is reflected. Place your baby grand piano in the room where it sounds best.
Baby Grand Pianos: One Click Away?
The internet has just totally spoilt us. Baby Grand pianos too, like many other instruments, can be bought online. A few popular brands of the pianos are Stuyvesant, Baldwin, Bergmann and Breitenbach. Online shopping offers a gamut of brands to choose from. There are sites which offer a worthy bargain, through bids. However, if you wish to test the sound of the piano before buying, you will have to visit the shop – presently the internet doesn’t have a substitute to this!
The attractive sound of the baby grand pianos has won many hearts and is one of the primary reasons for its popularity. The musicians who have limited financial resources can get a baby grand piano and enjoy the experience of mastering their music on it. No more do you require a mansion to get a piano, and no more do you require a fortune to make one yours. Baby grand pianos are the ideal choice for normal households with normal budgets. These pianos can be an asset for a pianist or a piano enthusiast. It can also decorate the room in which it is placed. A baby grand piano kept in a room can be the cynosure of all eyes for its sheer brilliance, compactness, beauty and allure!
I want a baby! (Piano)
If you enjoy this post, you will enjoy my piano newsletters!
Monday, September 8, 2008
And Can It Be Lyrics And Piano Music
And Can It Be Piano Chords And Lyrics
Words by Charles Wesley. Music by Thomas Campbell. Public Domain.
G Am D G
And can it be, that I should gain
C D G D A7 D
An int'rest in the Saviour's blood?
D G/D D7 G D
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
C G G/D D7 G
For me, who Him to death pursued?
G C A D
Amazing love! How can it be,
G C D G
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
G D D7 G
Amazing love! How can it be,
C G/B Am G/D D7 G
That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?'Tis mystery all! Th' immortal dies:
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries, To sound the depth of love divine.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,Let angel minds inquire no more.
'Tis mercy all! Let earth adore,Let angel minds inquire no more.
He left His Father's throne above,So free, so infinite His grace.Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam's helpless race.'Tis mercy all, immense and free;For, O my God, it found out me! 'Tis mercy all, immense and free;For, O my God, it found out me!
Long my imprison'd spirit lay,Fast bound in sin and nature's night;Thine eye diffused a quick'ning ray,I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;My chains fell off, my heart was free,I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.My chains fell off, my heart was free,I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
No condemnation now I dread;Jesus, and all in Him, is mine!Alive in Him, my living Head,And clothed with righteousness divine.Bold I approach th'eternal throne,And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.Bold I approach th'eternal throne,And claim the crown, through Christ, my own.
And Can It Be That I Should Gain Piano Music (Click To Listen Midi File)
And Can It Be Sheet Music
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Piano Sale - Time To Go To Piano Store

"Sales of the piano - once a status symbol and gathering spot for middle-class American families - have plummetted".
When I read this headline yesterday from our local newspaper, I was rather uneasy. Many piano stores in Southern California are closing due to poor economy and other factors such as consumers turning to big screen tv and electric guitars. A few of the store owners said the piano is a thing of the past - consumers have no appreciation for it.
NAMM - an international music products group in Carlsbad provided a disappointing figure: In the past decade, acoustic piano sales, which include uprights and grands, dropped by half in the United States.
Some piano store owners mentioned they used to sell 20 pianos a month when the economy was looking good a couple years ago. Now, they would be lucky to sell 2 a month.
It is this kind of news that bothers me - a piano lover. I prefer to see consumers spend more on music education and instruments than sport events or other items. It is time to educate the general public. It is time to spread the passion of piano to the new generation. Much of the new generation do not know how to appreciate the beauty of piano music.
There is a positive side to this news - Piano lovers can head onto piano store and choose their piano selection with much negotiating powers more than ever.

Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)