The Moldau for Beginning PianoThe Moldau theme is one of the most beautiful -- and famous -- 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.
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 melodic twists. 
Download free easy beginner sheet music The Moldau Unlike Common Time (4/4 or C), 3/4 time seems to feel UNNATURAL to many kids, and takes extra attention to count. I have found over and over again that what looks like a very easy song turns out to be rather difficult, solely because of the 3 beats a measure. Or 6/8 time -- even harder! Therefore, I prepare kids psychologically when I give them a piece in 3/4 timing: "This may look easy, but it's going to be harder than you think, because of the 3 beats a measure. It may take a little extra time to get the rhythm down, but I think you are ready for it!" And we count -- first, usually, in the lap or on the piano lid, each hand tapping its part, as we count aloud. I might even give them just half the song at first, making a little check mark to show them how far I'd like them to go. Perhaps I'll say, "Just go to the checkmark this week. You can explore farther if you really want to, but you don't have to." This removes a great deal of pressure for some kids, who don't feel safe moving ahead too quickly. After getting quite comfortable with the melody and the rhythm, the next step is to add
harmony to The Moldau. The left hand here is easy at first, and immediately beautiful, with
the fullness of the Am chord. But then the LH has what may be unfamiliar notes, and sharps!
Therefore, I suggest treating this piece as a duet at first; they are the RH, you are the LH. Then switch when they
have gotten used to the sounds of the harmony.
"The Moldau" (pronounce it "MOHL-dow," like "brown cow") is actually the German name for the river memorialized by Smetana, a composer from Czechoslovakia (the Czech Republic, now). Apparently the river flows through both Germany and what was once Bohemia (C.R.), and naturally, the world of music being what it is, it was the German name that stuck. (Think of Edvard Grieg's Norwegian songs, sung mostly in German.) I like to introduce pianists to classical literature early on, because even if they've learned 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!" To see more complicated versions of The Moldau for beginning piano, go back to the
Beginner Piano music page.
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