6 ways to depict water with a piano

[@SoteriosXI]

I hate it when I go to get water from my fridge's dispenser and a bunch of stacked arpeggios fall into my glass.

[@acevaptsarov8410]

😂

[@TheCSJones]

My sink pipe burst. Was cleaning up 32nd notes for hours.

[@sugarmamasota_]

😹😹😹

[@coleozaeta6344]

I really hate when my friend gives me a handful of delicious chips, and I’m eating some, but as I’m walking, I stumble over and drop my chips, and then they all fall into some guy’s open asshole.

[@ace00060]

​@@coleozaeta6344Lmao what? 💀

[@MrCrompz]

Water has got to be the most interesting thing to display through music! It's so organic, but also has so many different qualities.

[@PiotrBarcz]

Agreed!

[@FredericChopin-if5rn]

Now all we need is the earth, fire, and air depictions.

[@bazettssj4]

Scriabin 8th Sonata 😎

[@marcus4403]

Fire is Scriabin's Vers la Flamme and air is that one Debussy prelude...not sure what earth would be? Closest I can think of is Rite of Spring but that isn't for piano

[@Pianodude1997]

Do you mean....... Earth, Wind, and Fire? Because they've been around for a while 😎

[@ascendantDreamweaver]

@@marcus4403 valee d'obermann

[@DynastieArtistique]

@@bazettssj4I was about to comment this😂

[@snorefest1621]

Liszt was such a master of the programmatic depiction water, even before the times of Ravel and Debussy

[@skylarlimex]

True revolutionary

[@deodatdechampignac]

for dumbies only

[@Medtszkowski]

All his Switzerland pilgrimage set is just great

[@toothlesstoe]

I think the latter perfected what Liszt started

[@toothlesstoe]

@snorefest1621 Not sure why you agreed and then disagreed in the same breath, but okay lol

[@themelancholyofgay3543]

interesting way to learn theory

[@skylarlimex]

My videos are secretly clickbait to learn theory

[@Zenzith]

not the 62/84 time signature 😭

[@TelepathShield]

Ikr 😅

[@lanaritchie]

6/8 and 2/4 at the same time, not literally 62/84 😁😅

[@Teslav2_music]

Ravel: Easy for me

[@ethanthegreat23]

Wait where is it?

[@ethanthegreat23]

It means the first is 6/8 and the next is 2/4 and so on

[@Tooaster]

Something that I always found fascinating is that Chopin never named any of his etudes, so he might have ascribed a completely different meaning to the etude we call the "Ocean" etude. Maybe he thought it sounded like a battle, or a terrible storm. (I will admit though, "Ocean" is quite the accurate title in my opinion.)

[@skylarlimex]

Thanks for mentioning that! I'll admit I didn't really think twice over that since like you said, it seemed so aptly named.

[@dwacheopus]

It's too fast for waves to move

[@themelancholyofgay3543]

Raging Seas,

[@segfault1361]

I learned that Chopin never gave specific names to any of his pieces because he claimed to hate making "program music" which is to make music that conveys a specific story or scene/setting, so he denied making those and all names like "Funeral March", "Raindrop Prelude" etc were given by others like publishers or other composers. It's ironic because nearly all of his Preludes and Etudes give listeners an impression of a specific setting or story.

[@Seleuce]

​​​​​​​​​@@segfault1361I was about to say that, but you said it before me. So I ad something. There are 2 books on Chopin's teaching method, one from Eigeldinger ("Chopin: Pianist and Teacher") who interviewed many of Chopins students and colleagues for the book and used Chopins unfinished method book, too. The second book is the collected letters of one of his best long term students, Friederike Müller. She wrote down all her lessons with Chopin for 6 years in report form in letters, including his instructions as he phrased them, so that she would not forget. (I highly recommend both books for any Chopin enthusiasts and/or pianists). Both those books give great insight into what Chopin was generally thinking about music. He thought any piece could sound different every day and interpreted in many different ways as long as the source material was respected. He was a master of subtlety both in composition and in playing, as well as a master improviser, an expert in expressiveness and suggestion without a need for clear guidances. He thought programme names hinder the musician in forming their own opinion about a piece of music and strongly limit imagination and creativity. He loved people having their own opinions about his music. Auditors and musicians likewise. So he doesn't actually belong here, although he wrote a lot of music that sounds "watery", or liquid. For a water feel I would not have chosen this etude (it let's me think of a snow storm). Nocturne op. 27/1, to me, feels much more "wavy". But that's very subjective! 😊

[@donotapply6202]

Ravel's music revolving water is truly lovely, I would expect Ravel's Jeux D'eau to be here but your selection is quite wonderful and diverse!!

[@skylarlimex]

Yes, definitely had that in mind but I didn't want to show off Ravel three times haha, so I opted for jeux d'eau's lesser known predecessor!

[@Jacedamace]

0:07 oh thats how she got her name

[@tibby4503]

undertale?!?!

[@victinitron2000]

THAT WAS MY THOUGHT TOO LMAO

[@oddity404]

yes, undines are a mythological creature :)

[@perfectheart7010]

Never thought I'd see a reference to Undertale here..

[@Cletus99]

Brooooo they named their mythology off of Undertale??????????????????????????????????????????????

[@shimmereyes8984]

I feel Aquarium from the Carnival of the animals by Saint-Saens would fit this category, albeit I know it's not just piano, yet it inspires a completely oneiric and magical depiction of it through the long arpeggios. Fantastic selection and another proof of music's capacity to capture nature's essence both in sound mimic and feeling

[@skylarlimex]

Didn't think of that! It's definitely very apt

[@pineapplesareyummy6352]

That's a great example!

[@mirapiano_]

There's a piano transcription! It's easy to find, I would recommend giving it a listen.

[@avawspotter]

I love that Chopin's 'Ocean' looked like waves in the sheet music

[@bp-lx7lf]

‘Ondine’ is my favourite representation of water in all of music, let alone solo piano rep. Just fabulously beautiful.

[@nourytime9804]

How to depict water in music : Arpeggios

[@skylarlimex]

Not wrong 🤣

[@Ribulose15diphosphat]

While I know no classic examples, as soon it goes under water, popculture (especially games) tend to use long notes and low pitches to mimic the acoustics under water.

[@knopfir]

​@@Ribulose15diphosphati think game OSTs prefer the image of calm and still water rather then the energetic and hectic portrayel shown in the video

[@pikachuchujelly4119]

In popular video games, the water levels tend to be slower paced with swimming. There's not a whole lot of violent sea aesthetic for some reason.

[@Mmbcll-qz1ku]

ショパンのOcean は、広大な海の偉大さと体が揺れるほどの風の強さ、そして同時に海面に差し込む陽の光の温かさも感じます。素敵なピックアップ、ありがとう😌

[@jaypeej7830]

The best for me is the piano part of Schubert's famous song "Auf dem Wasser Zu singen".. It vividly depicts the shimmering waves of the sea.

[@skylarlimex]

Yes! I love that piece too. There's a piece by Grieg as well, Brooklet from his lyric pieces.

[@mikebliss3153]

I'm sorry (not sorry), but Debussy's La Mer changed the game as far as how water is musically depicted. Before, everyone just did boring arpeggios. But the throughline in all of Debussy's works, really, is just how alive the sonic depiction of water becomes. Bodies of water like the ocean are not just a setting to him; they're fully fleshed out characters in their own right.

[@wasumyon6147]

His "La cathédrale engloutie" is another great example.

[@dj_koen1265]

Debussy in general was just a great composer who could bring life into his music

[@MicheleEngel]

Although I don't understand enough about musical composition to know if what you say is correct, you said it beautifully!

[@naalex132]

0:51 sounds like a calamity boss

[@austindavis2406]

Almost nobody that watches this video will understand what you're talking about, but I want you to know that I understand lmao

[@BerdlyGaming]

I would also like to let you know that I get it lmao

[@TelepathShield]

From botw?

[@bouxman2989]

@@TelepathShieldI dont know about a calamity in botw but I do know about calamity mod in terraria

[@monsieurnugai]

I like getting the reference but also i disagree with you

[@СтепанКучуров]

This sokolov perfomance is definitely the best of all. Always used to start my morning coffee when I Was 14, not long time ago. Just so refreshing and something like what Liszt would probably have played

[@luisrocha26]

All of them are great, but I just love Ravel's and Debussy's renditions! As for Reflets dans l'eau, I can oerfectly picture a great lake, with water slowly moving and tiny rain droplets!

[@ikschrijflangenamen]

Alkan's madwoman by the seashore is also an interesting take. The soft repetitive bass of the crashing waves in the distance.

[@skylarlimex]

That's an excellent suggestion I didn't know about! Sort of predates Cowell's three Irish legends

[@HolldollMcG]

I think the piano in Eric Whitacre's "The Seal Lullaby" is the very best musical depiction of water, specifically the ocean and its waves. I don't have words, you really have to hear the piano for yourself. ❤

[@blakesorenson8766]

This is something I’ve been studying for a while. Two composers who I think have captured water perfectly have been Messiaen in “Fête des belles eaux” and Viñao in “Water”

[@skylarlimex]

I love that Messiaen piece.

[@f0rm0r]

I was waiting for une barque sur l'ocean and there is was!

[@skylarlimex]

Couldn't have missed that one

[@KatM26]

the e flat major bit towards the end of reflets dans l'eau very cathartic to play feels like drinking nice refreshing glass of water hydrated refreshed

[@abcrtzyn]

Another water song from Debussy, the sunken cathedral. Being underwater, he uses a lot of open chords and very low notes to show how vast and deep it is.

[@areyounatz]

Debussy's La Mer takes the cake for an orchestral depiction.

[@SuperKripke]

Schubert's impromptus also have an evocative way of capturing babbling brooks, especially number 3.

[@HenrikBergpianorganist]

I remember as a student Michel Béroff came to our school to give a master class. One student played the Reflets dans l'eau. So Béroff played a part of it to give some inspiration, and I swear I have never heard a piano sound so much like water. Really, it was no longer a piano, just the sound of water. A magical memory from my student time.🌊💧

[@lighthouse6543]

YESSS reflets dans l'eau my favorite Debussy piece

[@M1SS1X]

boat on the ocean captures water for me but none of the others give me that visual. the piano version of aquatic ambience does it for me

[@joepollockbass]

There's a recording of Jaco Pastorius' big band playing "Dolphin Dance" by Herbie Hancock. The piano player who begins the song paints a picture of clear, shimmering water to me. I can't quite explain it but the way he plays these licks make it sound like perfect water to be dancing with dolphins in.

[@daniel.friedrich]

Another great addition would've been the raindrop prelude, although your selection is stellar in its own right!

[@jacenarsenault8223]

I recommend listening to Mompou's El Lago from his Paisajes, it fits this list very well!

[@AlessandroSistiMusic]

Was going to add this - strongly agree!

[@TSO01]

Apocalyptica's "Rage of Poseidon" was quite good at depicting storm...

[@123eldest]

this was a great overview. I particularly like the portrayal of water in Griffes The Fountain of the Acqua Paola.

[@hymnodyhands]

As a composer I especially appreciate this ... I've done 2-3 of these in different pieces, but it is wonderful to see them all together for study!

[@owenbishop6544]

Great video. Another example I thought of was Liszt’s 2nd Ballade, the first theme that recurs throughout the piece can be interpreted as waves in the Greek myth of Hero and Leander

[@skylarlimex]

Ahh I didn't know that! Thanks for sharing

[@owenbishop6544]

@@skylarlimex Sonata Secrets did a wonderful video on it. Completely opened my eyes to the piece

[@CanAlternateLostTape]

Or the 2nd Legend, St. Francis of Paola Walks on the Waves

[@karlsengupta7185]

Delightful! Brief enough to view between classes, yet sufficient depth to require multiple viewings. Refreshing. Captivating.

[@skylarlimex]

@@karlsengupta7185 You're very kind, thank you!

[@urphakeandgey6308]

I can't imagine playing some of these on the piano. It's impressive compositionally, but also as a performance.

[@JustAFlutistThatLovesBubbleTea]

Omgg i absolutely loved how this was explained. I enjoyed every second of this wished it was longer❤❤

[@cathy7382]

Relaxing and beautiful

[@Dodecatone]

Hey, thanks for linking to my video of Grosvenor's incredible Ondine! I remember seeing the livestream and thinking "this is perfect, I need to share it with everyone" - now it's found a new audience ❤

[@skylarlimex]

It's an incredible recording, thanks for posting it!

[@camisonline]

That specific recording of Grosvenor’s might be the only one I feel does any justice to the final segment of Ondine, when it resolves after the unbelievable climax. He really takes his time on the white and black key glissandos where others don’t, and the small moment after those might actually be my favorite moment in the piece just because of the emotion and temperament he applies. Just fantastic. Thank you for posting that recording, I’ve been obsessed with it for a little while now.

[@rioapril7045]

I love Ondine but to meee it doesnt really sound like water but really conveys an entity moving through and with water. Geniuss

[@eleveri11]

Extremely cool

[@Jman0163]

between this video and Earth, Wind, and Fire we've got all the classical elements down pat.

[@nyct1b1us]

this is so freaking cool i'm emotional rn

[@somethingofficial5242]

Saint-Saëns' Aquarium from his 'Carnival of the Animals' also depicts the ebb and flow of water really well!

[@redallover_]

Liszt's depiction of tempestuous waves in his second ballade also fits this category; it's simpler and less beautiful than these examples, but it definitely works for the piece. Thanks for making this compilation! I've always been enchanted by program music. The excerpts are beautiful, and this video has inspired me to finally explore the impressionists' music!

[@DragosDomnara]

Scriabin's Sonata Fantasy should be here too, he was also directly inspired by the ocean when writing it. The first movement reminds me of the water rippling in the sunlight while the second movement depicts an ocean storm

[@jonathanDstrand]

came here to say this

[@rokasbitinaitis669]

For those who are looking for more depictions of water in classical music, I recommend listening to M. K. Čiurlionis - The Sea, with amazing main motive which represents rolling of the wave and then crashing in to the shore. Also, Vltava (The Moldau) by Bedřich Smetana, where the music follows Vltava river throughout the country from two small springs to eventuality joining Elbe

[@DavidTregoning]

and don't forget Camille Saint-Saens' 'Aquarium' from Carnaval Des Animaux

[@MetalheadSapling]

This is a wonderful video, and I just want to also mention that I have often heard John Paul Jones' piano on "No Quarter" by Led Zeppelin described as "Like water singing"

[@MicheleEngel]

This was very instructive. Thank you!

[@malik-a-creeper]

Love this examples and analysis. Thank you so much!

[@lukesorensen9432]

Instant subscribe man - tons of fantastic analytical info here

[@skylarlimex]

@@lukesorensen9432 Appreciate it! Thanks

[@deesbees9626]

The Fountain of the Villa d'Este reminds me very much of Zora's Domain from Breath of the Wild, very beautiful!

[@Egajor]

1:04 Debussy's music is magical.

[@bardsamok9221]

This channel is amazing. Just discovered it!

[@skylarlimex]

Thank you!

[@hadrieneverard8121]

I instantly recognized, Sokolov's version of op 25 no 12 lol. A man of culture I see

[@bartremmelzwaal5775]

Ravel 🐐

[@averageclassicalmusicenjoyer]

Oo my favourite recording of the chopin!

[@Astrelynx]

These were all stunning, but I can’t believe you didn’t include Bedrich Smetana’s Vltava.

[@LyleLylefr]

Cat - C418 is a really good example of a water effect

[@cookiemonsterrr9436]

I don't know anything about classical music or music in general, but this is so cool!!!

[@Abraxaz]

This is absolutely mesmerizing 🥴

[@SomeLilGuyMeow]

Wow I thought this was a real train at first! I gotta learn this technique!!

[@ShelbyBryant]

Great idea for a post! I enjoyed this lots- thank you!

[@dibidubu4168]

i really enjoyed this! thank you

[@skylarlimex]

You're very welcome!

[@stubbsmusic543]

This is a really lovely subject for a music video. Thanks for doing this.

[@skylarlimex]

I'm really happy with the subject too, thanks!

[@usurpationofmusic4596]

i learned liszt's 2nd legend recently and the water depiction in that piece is insane

[@ZalexMusic]

Schubert's Gb impromptu depicts a brook. Great video!

[@NerdCloud-IT]

You can see how they flipped the normally low chord progressions to high shimmery notes, And the main movement comes from the lower notes. Just like how it sounds muffled under water

[@skylarlimex]

I love that analogy

[@ronl7131]

Great examples.

[@the_eternal_paradox]

I would also like to volunteer Chopin's Barcarolle... what gets me is how various tiny imitative phrases make it sound like sunlight catching on successive ripples of water :)

[@cliffpinchon2832]

For something a bit different, the opening of Eonta by Xenakis is also meant to depict flowing water...

[@pretzelkch8322]

Love the late Liszt, very under appreciated piece. Recommend Abel Decaux’s Clairs de Lune no. 4: La Mer as well, interesting take on water, evokes more murky and ominous feelings of the sea.

[@Dylonely_9274]

Very pertinent, thank you !

[@meruscales]

Surprised not to see Berio’s Wasserklavier from 6 Encores. It’s a different approach to water than the rest of these

[@DeltaPixelite]

Genshin's music from the fontaine region is also a great example of depicting water, both literally water and my tears.

[@wcsxwcsx]

A favorite of mine is the first movement of Scriabin's second piano sonata.

[@cgnotes]

insane tempo to take ondine at oh my god

[@averageclassicalmusicenjoyer]

I know there are lots of comments about earth wind fire etc, but it would be fascinating to see any depictions of these other elements in music!

[@skylarlimex]

Wind might be feasible. Chen Qigang has a piece based on elements

[@musodave]

@@skylarlimex Chopin Winter Wind étude

[@yaakarkad]

I myself am a connaisseur or “fancy arpeggios”. Thank you sir.

[@foo0815]

Strange how Ravel avoids writing subcontra G# at 2:36 and 2:46 (not available on standard pianos, but harmonically required) and writes A instead. But finally at 2:56 he actually writes the impossible G#...

[@douwemusic]

This has always really bothered me lol

[@Organico0]

so nice

[@Raikaska]

Great video and compilation

[@balladin9200]

Water exists Ravel: free real estate

[@trongdung1306]

Holst's Neptune, The Mystic suit here too I guess

[@jasonmp85]

The tempos on these recordings are nuts

[@jasonmp85]

(Ok just the first two)

[@alXmarkW]

Audio is a little quiet but really lovely selections, love the formatting! Such beautiful music

[@daphnisetchloe]

Ondine is unbelievably ingenious

[@dino_rider7758]

❤️ love this

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

Awesome.

[@Mimi12350]

Thanks for the analysis ! 👏👏

[@williamhu9567]

awesome video!!

[@kathrineici9811]

*adds recording of river sounds*

[@Iumine]

1 0:00 2 0:35 3 1:02 4 1:37 5 2:04 6 2:29

[@Coconut_tree5378]

The frutiger aero of classical music

[@spiker1923]

bro what

[@Coconut_tree5378]

@@spiker1923 it’s like a subculture ( i don’t like to use the word aesthetic) that reminisces on the tech of the 2000s and how it was inspired by all things aquatic and water. And so they have playlists and music inspired by this subculture that’s mimics and evokes water.

[@Vingul]

@@Coconut_tree5378​⁠​⁠it’s more of an aesthetic than a subculture though, lols. It was a thing before people started reminiscing about it.

[@Coconut_tree5378]

@@Vingul true true. Idk y i just really don’t like using the word aesthetic.

[@Vingul]

@@Coconut_tree5378 I can understand, it is overused. I like it as a word in itself though.

[@seawolf1366]

Another AMAZING example of this by Liszt is his Saint Francis of Paolo Walking on the Waters! Great for showing stormy and turbulent waters

[@sandeegrey5977]

Franz Liszt mentioned! Wooo!