The Moldau for Early Intermediate PianoThe Moldau theme is one of the most beautiful -- and irresistable -- melodies in Romantic orchestral literature. Even if you don't listen to much classical music, you are likely to have heard this piece if you have ever taken a music literature class.These two printable piano music arrangements are my versions 3 and 4 of the melody of The Moldau. It helps if kids already know the rhythm of the melody (see the easy versions 1 and 2 on the Beginner Piano page), but it isn't necessary. This is such a beautiful, contagious piece of music. Most particularly with the broken chord pattern that mimics the sound of rushing, flowing water in the original piece, it is irresistable in its forward movement. In spite of the pretty melody line, I couldn't get kids real excited about polishing the
first level of this piece, or going on to harder versions, until I added words to it. Yes,
the words of the two verses may seem a trifle obvious ("It's a river! Flowing through
ancient Bohemia!") but the mention of castles, mermaids, and old legends are just enough to
engage the imagination of children and hook them into the intricacies of the melody twists.
I like to introduce pianists to classical literature early on, because even if they've learned only only an easy version of a piece, they are more likely to want to listen to "difficult" or "serious" music later on if they have that moment of "Aha! -- I KNOW this music!" I do have a much longer, fuller piano arrangement that includes the change to the major key.
It is also much harder, but very exciting!
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What Visitors Say:
Cathy: I recently purchased your arrangement of The Moldau (a longtime favorite of mine). I wasn't sure if any of my students would be interested in it, but to my amazement 3 of my students LOVE it. Thank you so much for making your great arrangement.
Matt: THIS SITE IS AMAZING!!... Thank you so much for your hard work getting these on the web, you have made many children very happy!!
Carrie,Voice and Piano Teacher: This site is FABULOUS. For all the reasons you explain on the site itself--this is exactly what piano teachers need! (I still need to go look at the vocal music). Wow. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Marta: Thank you for the free downloads! I'm a private teacher and I teach piano and beginner voice as well. :) I've been running my studio for about a year and I've come across the same issue; I don't want my students to have to purchase an entire supplemental book for only a couple of songs. So thank you for this site...some great downloads!!
California Student: Hi, I want to thank you for such a wonderful and educational website. I have found all the information you have posted and your comments immensely helpful, and I am grateful for your posting it. I am sure you are an awesome teacher and person. I am a beginner piano student, so many thanks and Happy New Year
Joy: Thank you. Just wanted to say I found your website by mistake but what a blessing it has been. I am a missionary wife living in Spain (for many, many years) and I teach piano to Spanish children and adults. I have the barrier of very few usable things in Spanish, and can so identify with the need to write things suitable for the student...
Marybeth: I love your site! It has been an incredible resource for me as a Music teacher. I love your ideas and the music you share...