My Own Arrangement of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Finale

[@Leander-piano]

I love watching Swan Lake and this is my own piano arrangement of selections that I made by listening to the orchestral finale of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake ballet, which is one of my favorite parts of any ballet. I created it by trying to imitate the orchestra on the piano rather than by trying to make something that sounds pretty, so there are pretty parts but it's probably not the most beautiful piece to listen to and I think it is more interesting if you are familiar with the ballet so I understand if many of you aren't interested in this video because it's very wild and crazy, but it is also exciting and fun and it is kind of an experiment for me. I think all of it is beautiful but I promise that some parts are beautiful in a traditional sense, especially the last 30 seconds. My arrangement starts with the part where the prince is searching for the white swan to apologize for betraying her. I skipped the pas de deux and then I moved on to the part where the evil sorcerer Rothbart separates the two of them and the prince drowns and the white swan flies away. It is very sad. I hope that some of you think it is interesting.

[@SaintBernardEnthusiast]

Now you’re making your own arrangements??? I’m even more convinced that you’re modern-day Franz Liszt… 😉 Beautiful music as always.

[@stevenwilgus5422]

"...if many of you aren't interested in this video because it's very wild and crazy, but it is also exciting and fun and it is kind of an experiment for me. " Leander, You have carte blanche to make compositional choices. You prefaced the video and provided an explanation. You are free to compose. You are brilliant.

[@johnmyviews3761]

Making your own arrangements is probably the way to go with your deep skills

[@gth042]

Indeed. I hope we're seeing another Thelonious Monk, Ellington, or Brubeck in the making 🤞. No need to apologize to us, Leander. We're grateful you share your time with us. Everybody else can... will be everybody else. 😉

[@margemiller5503]

Brilliant little man. That was exciting, beautiful and awesome. Thank you again sir.

[@leonhue722]

Half of me says, " Leander must be allowed to play music in his own unique creative style". Alternatively, "the boy should have a mentor/teacher to guide this gifted prodigy with his raw musical talents enabling him to become an acclaimed international musician".

[@stevenchacala]

That is indeed the dilemma. He needs at least enough guidance so he doesn't keep habits that can cause physical harm like arthritis and repetitive stress injuries.

[@Randy201851]

Yes, certainly review & training in fingering as more complex pieces are difficult, if not impossible, to play without using classical fingering techniques. Leander is no doubt an incredible talent, unique & creative, it would be a tragedy if his talent were inhibited by simple fingering errors

[@MishaSkripach]

The second option is spot on. He is being driven in a wrong direction towards a disaster, as he will regret burying such a talent.

[@hollyavillella554]

I have the feeling perhaps there might be a teacher/guide working BTS? I've heard it's best to let him teach his own self as many ultra-gifted (Mozart) did just that. But, I, too wonder about any habits that might impair his progress down the line. Maybe just a very bright teacher of very bright gifted take a look-see to check fingering patterns, etc. and just a word or two to point in the right direction? He's already crossing hands with grace and accuracy. Amazing! We're so fortunate to witness!! 💗

[@MishaSkripach]

@@hollyavillella554 No proper teacher would allow this. "let him teach his own self as many ultra-gifted (Mozart) did just that." - this is very misinformed. NONE of the unltra-gifted were neglected in their music development. The habits that WILL impair the progress are: he will only do what he wants. And he is allowed to do so. If he keeps doing THIS, no piano professor will bother. Just won't accept him.

[@tampanativeson]

Playing pieces you learned from hearing someone else play them is one thing but this improv leaves me gobsmacked. BRILLIANT

[@tampanativeson]

One more thing. I just read your description of how you came to "compose" this piece. Again, it stiikes me that you write FAR above and away from your age.

[@aufbrechen]

hy friends. Whoever is filming ..... you really should give him a good TEACHER: He is so talented and already plays so bright. He has earned a wonderful and professional teacher. I am pianistI and hearthat he could benefit endlessly. Ready for fine- tuning. God bless that boy!

[@MishaSkripach]

YES!!!!! Have been saying the same...

[@conorcolon]

The many fans' comments of those who appreciate, as we do, your creativity and innovative genius are balanced by tutoring fans who seem to know the process of how to properly advance in piano technique. Can' t comment if their advice is helpful, but It is noteworthy that ALL your subscribers absolutely love what you post and so look forward to each piece you master and share with us. Love, God bless, Pat and family

[@jbavar32]

I love watching his p;aying, and His smile lights up the room.😃🙏

[@dylan-kerry]

I saw the typo on this comment and the praying emoji and assumed you meant that you liked seeing his praying lol

[@jbavar32]

@@dylan-kerry sorry for the typo but his music is like a prayer.

[@theart8039]

Any positive comments and critiques will help this young man grow. I see so much support here and many people who play piano are worried about stress fractures on such young hands and I agree. You have a fantastic talent Leander and entertained us all over Christmas and New Year, Bravo!

[@ericescher6045]

BRAVO!!! I must say that you are unique in your playing and I can imagine that as you get older it will only get better and better. Thank you for bringing so much sunshine into this world.

[@CarmaX47]

Your energy can barely be contained and it’s a joy to see, almost as much as that smile!!! You should do the casse noisette pas de deux adage next hehe

[@MarvinJudson]

Leander, I not only think what you played is interesting I also think it's brilliant. I was pleased with what you did to the most famous main theme, almost turning it into a jazz piece without ever losing the classical flavor. Your arranging style shows great potential. You should try this again sometime. Great job!

[@Pico_Farad]

Adorable little genius.

[@TentoesMe]

Swan Lake Rag! I love it.

[@learnngwell]

Oh, my. Your own arrangement! I’m speechless. What a gift you are, Leander.

[@richardpodnar5039]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm speechless!😮😊❤

[@Robert-Gulfstream]

Hi Leander your are a brilliant musician ‼️ your playing touches the soul of your listeners ❤️ you have a very bright future in music 👍 Thank you for sharing your talent with the world 🌎 your friends in Mississippi, USA 🇺🇸👋

[@kathykapsner3897]

Wowza! THAT was quite dramatic!

[@ChristinewithaC]

Very well done! You’re an excellent arranger and player! 🎹

[@reekashade]

You are the gift that keeps on giving…you bring joy & much happiness to the world.

[@melq9437]

That was gorgeous. I really loved the ending.

[@TerryT-x2r]

How creative! And your versatility continues to amaze. Thank you, Leander!

[@TimTVOfficial]

The best arrangement of Swan Lake yet 🙂

[@jrpanciotti8863]

wonderful, an original Leander, it was wild and fun. thank you.

[@RobbsHomemadeLife]

I hope you keep making your musical experiments and having fun with them because life without any fun is not living.

[@barbarafritchie2000]

He’s so cute and talented

[@prakkari]

Bravo Leander. You’re a virtuoso. Greetings from northern Iceland.

[@RobertBolton-cf7qj]

Dear Leander: I don't know anything about ballet, but have heard music from Swan Lake many times. I love the traditional, and also enjoyed your rendition. Very well done!❤😊

[@r2x262]

Goodness gracious....that seemed very complicated to me....but as usual you make it look so easy. Great job!!!!! God bless and thank you for working as hard as you do. Looking very handsome as well

[@richardthacker]

That was a big surprise! Playing your very own arrangement! Wow! That is very special, thank you!

[@marjoriejohnson3147]

Bravo!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤

[@MhLiMz]

You never cease to amaze me. Not only do you learn new piano pieces every day, you even have time - and the talent and knowledge - to write your own arrangements! To you a Piano must be like a video game console to other children. Make sure to also take time to spend outside, get some oxygen in your lungs and enjoy nature 🏞️🌳

[@19571975]

Ditto! Go out and play. Get some sunshine. Then come back in and play for us some more! 🥰

[@Leander-piano]

I like to play outside very much. Yesterday i played outside with my friend for many hours

[@stevenchacala]

@Leander-piano When will we see you juggle?

[@Jen-zv7ri]

Brilliant. I loved it. Your musical gifts are astounding. Thank you for sharing this creative work with us Leander.

[@KevinO-xq1ns]

Mr.LEANDER......Truly amazing. I really love when you take it up a notch at 1 minute in

[@baldbeardedbloke6887]

You are amazing.

[@tbone6561]

It is 6.30 Sunday evening here in New Zealand, your music is a beautiful way to start my evening. Wishing you all the best for the new year

[@jeffking4176]

Fantastic. 📻🙂 1:00 am here in Jacksonville Florida U.S.A. Great way to end the day. 📻🙂

[@betsyanastasi6780]

You have a great talent, Leander. I look forward to watching your videos. All unique.

[@aBachwardsfellow]

An excellent step forward -- the arrangements are very creative -- showing some of your creative process and potential. There is a saying, "it's easier to steer a ship that's moving than one which is standing still" You're definitely moving in the right direction -- showing very good potential. As you develop and expand your musical knowledge you'll be able to steer that creativity in many different directions! Looking forward to seeing you develop in this area as well!.

[@MishaSkripach]

It is no step forward - it is the same as always: a video is watched or listened to, then, using perfect pitch ability, the remembered sounds get played on a piano. The score has not been even looked at. The potential is indeed great. The direction of moving is wrong.

[@georgefieldsjr.640]

Being a pianist myself, Your fingering is Absolutely Superb 😂 ! You are beyond Magnificent 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@jamesmetzler2031]

Brilliant! Always let your imagination thrive. Experiment, create, be wild and crazy. That is how the true masters are born.

[@synchro505]

Awesome arrangement and performance! Your piano sounds better than ever after all that work was done to it. 🎹

[@neilnetman3138]

That was amazing, Leander. You are an incredibly talented pianist. I love how you described it as 'Pretty'. An interesting choice of words. It shows how you view music. For me, it's all about if it sounds 'right' and how it makes me feel. I can't wait to hear more of your own, personal interpretations of music.

[@Nannaof10]

Wow! 🎉 Briliant! You're amazing. That was beautiful, and I love it when you look at us and smile 😃 ❤

[@JoshLooperMusic]

I’m in awe of this. Amazing playing 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@spadertva3261]

I think it is brilliant. Really cool that you made it your way. Thanks! 🙏✨👏✨

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Leander you arrangment is Far Out 😊❤️✌️

[@rebecca120xmany]

Wow, Leander - very creative!!! 👏🏻

[@judyv463]

I love it! Keep your own magic fired up as you do.

[@EmilyTienne]

This boy is a one in a million. I don’t think that’s exaggerating things. At some point, I hope to hear that a top music school accepts him.

[@MishaSkripach]

In order to be accepted into a top music school, he needs to have skill of at least a diploma level at this age of approx 10? 11? he is. No way he can pass now. To get to the standard to be considered, lots of things need to be done, to be learnt. They are not learnt. Instead they boy is busy entertaining adults on youtube...

[@myutube5882]

@@MishaSkripach Emily did say "at some point."

[@EmilyTienne]

@ Ah, you sound like a wise man. 🙄

[@rickneill6924]

Swan Lake with added vitamins.

[@myutube5882]

@@rickneill6924 Swan Lake on steroids! 😃

[@RobertHouben]

Loved your arrangement of this lovely piece. I think knowing the story adds to the performance, but even without that your arrangement was delightful!

[@kellyadams8235]

Amazing!

[@kikivanderwal8283]

I also love the swan lake music. It is certainly interesting the way you put parts together and I can imagine you enjoyed doing it. 😊

[@perrycomeau2627]

Just as I'm falling asleep, Tchaikovsky knocks me awake with his 6th symphony. It's like drinking insurmountable amounts of coffee in an airline tower. ☺

[@_Prosto_Pravda_]

The beginning reminds of the First Piano Concerto!

[@JimTancock]

Excellent piano playing there Leander. I like the lights on your piano 😁☑️⭐️👍👏👏👏👏⭐️👋👋👋👋

[@simo4305]

Wow! Well done Leander..Bravo!!

[@thomasjewell6951]

THANKS FOR THIS PIECE OF MUSIC, YOU HAVE A GREAT JOB! MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, MAY YOU BE BLESSED! U BOAT COMMANDER,

[@nikoknightpuppetproduction369]

It is a pleasure listening to you. You have a wonderful smile, and your music puts a smile on my face.

[@michaelkline884]

Ahh thank you Leander! That’s one of my favorite ballets. You did a wonderful job of capturing the real mood of it. That’s what gets me about this story Thanks for this video 👍🏼

[@hii29516]

Thank you for your playing the piano 😊I love your performance so much ❤

[@AndrewLuppnow-i6j]

Fantastic! The only Tchaikovsky piece I remember from long ago is a simplified arrangement of 'Marche Slav.' I wanted to learn the 1812 Overture, but my parents refused to buy the cannons.

[@rebecca120xmany]

😂😂😂

[@AndrewLuppnow-i6j]

@@rebecca120xmany Thanks. I'm glad I was able to get a chuckle.🙂

[@patsythibault1824]

Wow! Amazing Leander! It is most enjoyable. 🤗

[@callforarchives]

I can imagine that playing something on a piano that's intended for an orchestra would take some planning, and wouldn't always work right. But it works great with this piece, very interesting! Well done!

[@mikesoule1352]

It's too cool--- the way you put your own spin on the music! 🎶😃🎵🎶

[@jna9888]

Oh my gosh, that was beautiful (okay, pretty). 👏 So Leander, seeing your progression over the months makes me believe I'll be seeing you on the concert stage very soon! Maestro Leander and his arrangements and compositions! And for anybody that maybe doesn't like your arrangements, your smile makes it the best anyway. We all look forward to your next post! Snow outside, stay warm and happy as always! Thank you and God bless you and yours. 😊🤗 Jerry

[@DU-ue9ir]

❤ Leander, thanks for your astonishing and wonderful Interpretation of Swansee. I think the composer Tschaikovsky would give you the "best note" for it. So do I! You're getting better & better. 🎉 Have a good day, Leander - and go on with your piano playing... it makes me happy to listen and watch.

[@MishaSkripach]

Swansee... you must never heard any music by Tchaikovsky.

[@Modeltnick]

Bravo! Better than most transcriptions for sure!

[@roncyr1850]

love it...thanks

[@ssavia]

WOW!! I love it, Leander! Your interpretation is phenomenal and breathtaking. I admire your courage and ability to try something new and your tenacity in pulling apart all the sections of this piece to rebuild them into an extraordinarily creative and exhilarating arrangement. Bravo!! 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 👏 Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@Leander-piano]

Thank you very much for telling me all of your thoughts about it

[@hughlazarus7806]

Amazing!!! I really enjoyed that. Thank-you!

[@charleskersten3142]

Leander, there goes my head spinning again!! Amazing and I knew that you were capable of doing your own arrangements. Loved it and may God continue to watch over you !❤❤❤ Your Old Friend Charles

[@igorshlapunov9336]

Доволі цікава версія відомого твору!

[@badguitar5653]

nice job leander

[@litoboy5]

Great

[@Edwin48100]

I bet this young man wouldn't have any trouble playing "Flight of the Bumblebee"?

[@robertbonnin]

Super 🎉

[@rickynewport6339]

I love your arrangement and playing on this piece. Tchaikovsky is probably my favorite classical composer. I really enjoy your ragtime performances, but I think The Nutcracker and this are the outstanding things you have done so far on your channel. I hope you will continue to include some of your own arrangements among the selections you play. I remember you saying in some of your comments that you are really interested in ballet. Do you have ambitions of dancing in ballet as well as well as playing ballet music on piano?

[@ferdirunge4510]

what a mighty smile! ;>

[@longcorker]

good work

[@geoffmayhew1278]

That is truly inspirational, Leander. You are not only a gifted pianist but also a very talented arranger.

[@MishaSkripach]

What is it inspiring you for? Shall we take kids' crayons to smear all over Mona Lisa print! It is just a print, right?

[@dylan-kerry]

Before I started learning full compositions, this piece was one of my favourites from one of my beginner books though the arrangement was very simplified. This is a nice piece. Great arrangement and playing too!

[@harryfix2767]

Fantastic

[@allenbiles7032]

Leander, We just absolutely love you! Thank You For Sharing Your Gift With Us! We look forward to every single posted video! We play your “mixes” throughout our day! You are truly an amazing Blessing to us. Curious where you live? We send you Warm Wishes, Big Hugs and Lots of Gratitude & Prayers from Central Florida (North of Orlando)

[@freetimpanogospress7422]

Bravo.

[@bello_un]

Bravo 👏

[@allankyle813]

Awesome.

[@ncd3165]

wow!

[@Randy201851]

Most excellent Leander, I applaud your creativity, your daring to take an iconic composition to put your own spin on it 👏👏👏👏 Have you seen Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake? A powerful interpretation in it's own right 😮 👏👏👏👏

[@ginarusso5067]

Wow so awesome ✌️🫶🙏🤗

[@bbmb8499]

Weiter so.Danke.

[@MichaelOliver-ry7fj]

Yes Leander!

[@TheSuse59]

Awesome!🤗

[@BrianFarrawell]

Bravo. Wow Leander ,I found myself ballet dancing around the house. ( Well in my imagination) Thankyou so much, Swan Lake you are 1st class ,do you attend ballet class also?💙🙂 You were right ,wild, crazy, exciting and FUN. !

[@hazevthewolf178]

I've always loved Tchaikovsky's music and found this arrangement of selections from Swan Lake to be interesting and very enjoyable. Arrangements and variations are an honourable tradition in classic music. Now, that begs a question. Can you go to the next level and create an original composition by YOU?

[@JaniceHearst]

That was amazing! I’ve never seen Swan Lake ballet (just the scene from the Funny Girl movie with Barbra Streisand) but now you make me want to see the actual ballet.

[@MishaSkripach]

This is only amazing for people who have never seen the ballet and never heard Tchaikovsky and never been to a single classical concert.

[@JaniceHearst]

@ Excuse me, I have been to classical concerts, and I do listen to Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Debussy, Grieg, Ravel, Pachelbel - shall I go on? I still think Leander is amazing and so do others if you look at the comments.

[@MishaSkripach]

@@JaniceHearst Which pianists have you heard live on stage?

[@JaniceHearst]

@ Symphony orchestra pianists. Sorry, didn’t pay attention to names, just enjoyed performances. Does Liberace count? Saw him live on stage 😊.

[@MishaSkripach]

@@JaniceHearst What? Symphony orchestra pianists? What is this? ... By the way, Liberace studied first with his concert pianist mother, then with Paderewski. By age of 11, he could play advanced classical pieces.

[@rogerhunter5404]

Hey, buddy. Nice work, and I particularly like the section that starts around 3:03. It has a little bit of a dream-like tone to it, or at least it does to me. It might just be that I'm feeling sleepy because I have covid again, for the fourth time since it started. I hoped it wouldn't continue to be a problem, but I guess it is. I went with my son to dinner on New Year's Eve, and I guess that is when I got it. I haven't been out of the house except for that. I'm sure I will be better soon.

[@rebecca120xmany]

Yes, you will! 🙏🏻

[@patrickrwhite8354]

That was a very good Arrangement Leander. I love this piece of music. Your version gave me the feel of Halloween. Not sure why but it did. BRAVO! How did you come up with that? Maybe it is like me when I thought Yankee doodle was a classic hit so I played it majestically. Just as you did Swan Lake. BRAVO!🏆🏆🎄🎄🏆🏆🎄🎄🏆🏆🥂🥂🙏🏻🙏🏻🎁🎁👏👏🎇🎇🎆🎆🎵🎵💖💖🐄🐄🐮🐮Keep up the fantastic Smiles we love them too.

[@hollyavillella554]

I'm chagringed I don't better know Swan Lake so as to hear your compositional ideas. I can hear an exciting work you've created and do recognize some of the SL themes. Even Maurice Ravel a very original composer borrowed some from Chopin. Do you write your own program notes or does someone help you put your ideas into words? As a retired English teacher, I'm very impressed by your language skills as well as your music skills! My goodness, no wonder your smile is so bright! Now i shall have to give all of Swan Lake a good listen and then listen again to your work here! PS I like ballet too and Tchaikovsky was my first favorite composer. Do you ever listen to Maurice Ravel? I wonder what you think of his works, any of them. Thanks for Swan Lake, Leander! 🦢👑🩰🎶

[@sharont572]

Hi Leander, yours is the only and first piano KZbin channel I have ever subscribed to, having discovered it a couple of days ago. I haven't seen every video so forgive me if you've done so: I'd love to hear you play Mozart's piano sonata 11, K331, otherwise known as the Turkish Rondo (my cousin has played it and that's one of my favourites; way too advanced for me). I'm more intermediate and have been relearning pieces I played in my teens. I taught myself to play on a digital piano at 12 before my family obtained a full size piano. I wish we'd been able to keep the secondhand Mignon piano I spent hours playing, but we moved and it wasn't my decision. Years later I have a Roland digital piano, which sounds lovely, but I miss the Mignon upright every day (really wish I had a real upright piano though). There's nothing like the sound of a real piano. Never sell yours! Two more requests, Moonlight Sonata (I'm relearning) and Fur Elise (the middle bit is my favourite ... I need to revise). I only had 18 months of lessons and gave them up because my parents wanted to eventually move, but I also wish I had gone further. Now I'm going through the piano pieces I have. Keep playing! I am so impressed with the improvisation; it is all beautiful. Re: Fig Leaf Rag, the piano music I have for it gave no tempo, but it sounded great. You have encouraged me to play more.

[@Studio5LA]

Not bad!! It all needs a little more breathing room, but make no mistake, I love your great work...and the big finish! Congrats....again!