What is your favourite instrumental piece, and why do you like it?

[xJeremyx]

Share the links so we can all enjoy!

Updates

+1 y

To clear up the confusion, I was not referring to specific instruments, I was referring to pieces of music that are purely instrumental.

Updates

+1 y

Thanks for the overwhelming response guys! Since you all have shared, it is now my turn to show you guys my favourite instrumental pieces. Here we go! https://youtu. be/1QCjbWHLYt8https://youtu. be/6ajTcwJBbw4https://youtu. be/izsjRpcgfmkhttps://youtu. be/S-Xm7s9eGxUhttps://youtu. be/X3zWxuS-Hj0https://youtu. be/_aPUro7sq9ohttps://youtu. be/_3ngiSxVCBs

[Anonymous]

I play the drums so I like the drums. I always liked the piano though and the violin and always wanted to learn them the right way with a teacher but never got to.

I teach myself the drums though and my older brother who has been playing the drums for 20+ years also teaches me.

I like the drums because this might sound weird but playing them is addicting to me. I just love it so much and it so easy to make a really cool sounding beat and it's like a beginner level beat.

Everyone would assume it's a hard beat but it's actually really easy to do. Anyone can learn the drums and do some really cool beats right away. The hard part though is learning to stay on time when you first start playing.

I love the cool pieces you can play on the piano. The super old ones from Mozart and Beethoven and other composers and newer songs from any band. Especially anime songs sound really good on the piano.

Anime songs sound really good on the violin too. I remember I used to listen to this woman on YouTube. I think her name was Vanessa Mae. She would combine techno beats with crazy violin pieces. It sounded really cool to me. The violin is so awesome.

But I like sticking to the drums. I know the drums are for me.

[xJeremyx]

YASSSS

DRUMS RULE

Yea I am a drummer too. No formal drum teacher too. More self taught than anything. Yes, hitting the drums is addictive! And getting in a groove is just feels so... right. And perfectly executing a difficult fill or lick sends dopamine all over your brain. Yeah even till now I am still practising staying on time, thats difficult to master. And so is left foot independence. Now I teach myself by learning gospel style songs. And also learning by teaching two new students.

I taught myself some acoustic and fingerstyle guitar as well, so I would not be limited to just drums. Picked up the electric bass along the way. Keyboard is the last frontier for me, I hope I can get good at it in the future.

The piano pieces I enjoy are mostly by Erik Satie, I like their eccentric yet simple style. I used to listen to a bunch of his compositions when I studied. I love classical guitar songs too. I have learned a few and want to learn more. It just hits different when you do not have any amps, pedalboards and stuff to help you. You only have your fingers and your guitar, yet you can make it sound alive with the right dynamics.

(P. s. I go crazy when meeting other drummers, sorry XD)

[mobiusforniner]

I taught myself violin and piano. You just need a ton of self discipline. But the results are very rewarding

[Opinion Owner]

Hey sorry for the late reply. I'm glad I found someone who has the same fever as I do when it comes to the drums 😁😄 how long have you been playing? I'm considered a beginner still, I've been learning the drums for almost 4 months 🤭 I'm still a baby lol. But I understand everything you're saying, I'm always researching about the drums and learning all the terms lol. If you are teaching students to play you must be really good. What other music do you play other than Gospel music? I respect that you are religious and I think it's really cool that you are playing for God :)

Wow!! You play four instruments? That's really impressive! You must have a natural talent to learning instruments. What pieces do you play on the keyboard? If I could play a song, I would choose Tokyo ghoul opening 1 song. There is a guy on YouTube that made the music sheet for that anime song and everything
He plays it crazy fast, never seen anyone play the piano that fast before. It has like 20 million something views on it. Would like your expertise on it if you don't mind checking it out. What you think of it and how well the guy plays.

[Opinion Owner]

I think you'll easily get good at the keyboard in the future. Your brain is already used to learning an instrument, you'll pick it up fast! I've never heard of Erik Satie, I'll check him out though. I'm always looking for new music to enjoy. I know exactly what you mean by the amps and pedalboards, my brothers created a band when they were like 13 lol and they had the works in their bedroom, drums, electric guitar, the bass and I remember watching them play all the time.

Don't apologize at all! I completely understand you and I feel the same way. 😆😁

[Opinion Owner]

@mobiusforniner that's crazy 😲 how long did it take to learn them? What's the hardest song you can play on both? I heard with the violin, your left ear (depending on which side you're playing) your hearing weakens. Not sure how noticable it is but is it true?

[xJeremyx]

3 instruments, not 4. And I suck at bass. I can't slap to save my life haha. So, 2 instruments. Drums and guitar (acoustic).

Picked up drumsticks at 5 or 6. Actually started learning at like, 10? All my lesssons were not formal though, meaning I never went to music school and I am not really that good. I can hold down a groove, throw in some simple fills and thats about it. Im just teaching my students the basics.

I do not really play the keyboard yet. Lack of resources, yknow? XD

[xJeremyx]

I also play CCM most of the time.

[mobiusforniner]

Mewzinc, I am self taught at piano for nearly 20 years. Not gonna brag, but im pretty good at it. I cannot sight read and play at the same time, which is probably my biggest limitation. Can play Chopin to Beethoven, and movie soundtracks to improvised jazz and everything in between. Chopins nocturnes are the most technically demanding.

Began studying violin in the past year. Physically it is harder to play but the piano experience helps with the theory and I've found it easier to learn a song on violin than piano. Currently studying Christmas songs... lol. The violin is loud but i haven't noticed any hearing loss despite daily playing.

[Opinion Owner]

@mobiusforniner wow that's freaking awesome! Do you have a YouTube channel? Would love to hear you play. Can you play by ear for both instruments? Do you think you could play this song, of you look it up, it's called unravel piano cover and the YouTube video has 88 million views. I would post the link but I'm not level 3 on this website and is this a hard piece to play? If I were to ever learn the piano I would want to learn this song.

[mobiusforniner]

That is a very technically demanding piece lol. I cannot play that. I do not have recordings of my music. Music is very personal to me. It serves as an avenue to express my emotions, so I dont really play to perform, if that makes any sense.

Starting a music instrument yourself requires a certain degree of personal foresight in addition to discipline and fortitude. Many people dive right in wanting to play thier favorite songs, which often far exceed their initial capabilities. You have to start with the little stuff, like "mary had a little lamb" or "hot cross buns" knowing that, in time, your commitment will see you where you want to be.

I often mentally transport myself elsewhere when im playing music. I imagine certain scenarios- like reuniting with a lost love, envisioning a future event, or recalling certain memories, the intensities of which come out in the performance. Music comes from the heart.

Keep at it. Find purpose. See yourself performing before someone, perhaps someone who didn't think you can achieve. Make yourself want to be there and no matter what experience level you have, the music will always sound good because you gave it life.

[xJeremyx]

Its not the instrument, its the musician that makes good music.

[Opinion Owner]

@mobiusforniner I feel the same way when I play the drums but I don't think of anything sad. I just really get into it and it feels amazing, that's the only way I can describe the emotions I feel. Thank you for your advice, appreciate it! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and for looking at that song in youtube. 😊

[Opinion Owner]

I agree with that. The musician makes it. Well I still think it's awesome you can play the drums and the acoustic guiter, it's still impressive in my eyes. Your s/o will enjoy hearing you play, I know that for sure. Even though you don't consider yourself a good drummer, I still think you are better than me lol 😅😆 I can't really hold down s groove yet I always mess up the tempo and I always mess up my fills too. When I drum, I drum by sound. I don't count the 4-4s in my head. It's too distracting for me and so I don't really know when to throw in a successful fill or even how long the fill should last in order to get back into tempo or start on 1. In my eyes, you sound like a good drummer.😊 that's still sounds great to be teaching students the basics. Shows you are competent, that you know what you are doing enough to teach it to someone and you should feel proud! No worries on the lack of resources, I get it lol. CCM? I have to look that one up I don't recognize it 😅

[Opinion Owner]

Ok I looked up CCM and I know what it is now.

[AshLee83]

I absolutely love Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata, particularly the first moment. When I’m sad it cheers me up. If I need to focus it helps me center my thoughts. I’ve even played it for my children from the time they were in the womb. This piece called their tantrums as babies/toddlers. I play this song along with other classical piano songs while I help my children with homework.

https://youtu.be/sbTVZMJ9Z2I

A genius to be remembered!!! 💗

[AshLee83]

Oops…. I meant calmed their tantrums!!!

[xJeremyx]

Why has G@G not added an edit function...

[AshLee83]

Agreed! And they blocked my pic…strange. Or is it just not showing on my end?

[xJeremyx]

Yea I can't see it either

[AshLee83]

It was just a pic of Beethoven and his wild hair!!!

[Aiko_E_Lara]

I have a lot. They're mostly Japanese/Korean artists making it and mostly piano based and have pretty diverse genre from Jazzy to Latin to Oriental Folk to Orchestral. I'll give you 8 links, 2 of each examples. They're modern by the way.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/3FS5BF5HwrIhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/8cMhQ_teEoYhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/V7Z3UJvqLGAhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/3YcjvhhwON0https://www.youtube.com/embed/AQ2UEmLAxc8https://www.youtube.com/embed/iYjdVqRfAAghttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Qy72l8rHZC4https://www.youtube.com/embed/YLfqA4ceeVQ

[Telekinetic-Potato]

St Thomas, Sonny Rollins

https://youtu.be/UA2XIWZxMKM

Miserie Mei (I don't know if this counts)

https://youtu.be/rs5bc_P1kKo

Who Bit The Moon, David Maxim

https://youtu.be/xD7By2Exf6A

Acres, Sam Gellaitry

https://www.youtube.com/embed/0_ijw_sIkBg

I don't think I could pick any one as my favorite

[rachel776]

everyone here has chosen "pop" versions of classical music

here's a real one performed by the #1 symphony orchestra in the world. if some of the motifs sound familiar, it's because pop composers like John Williams draw heavily from composers like Shostakovich. there are several scenes from Star Wars movies, for example, pulled right out of this piece which was composed in Soviet Russia over 80 years ago

i've included a second version to show different orchestras play the same things differently, different colours, different tempi, different phrasing, everything

https://www.youtube.com/embed/re2gQXy9C-Mhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/iFfOFe9ZSio

[kr775_]

You mentioned you are a violinist. What are your thoughts on Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto

[rachel776]

@kr775_ Rachmaninoff was a genius of the piano literature and his large hands made his compositions nearly impossible for most pianists without fluttering the notes in an overly-romantic way compared with the precise orchestrations underneath, so you couldn't fake it with him. Those who can't say he was one of the great romantic composers who intended it this way, which he didn't, and those who can stand out in today's world and routinely win the Van Cliburn including, I think, this year's winner, as well as with those who can master Chopin on the other end of the spectrum. I've met his granddaughter a few times who tours playing his music and does pretty well with tiny hands. Where she falls short, she covers with over-the-top gowns that look like gigantic chiffon wedding cakes.

[Chazmatazz269]

https://youtu.be/MHioIlbnS_A

“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra
It’s the only Christmas song i really like.
I like the slow tempo and low energy early, and i luv how it sort of swells into the faster, higher energy storm of the full orchestra. I will blast this song on repeat as loudly as i can get away with it on Christmas Eve and dance until i’m out of breath. That doesn’t take as long as it used to. Ell oh ell!
There are other songs that i luv that similarly swell like that, including lyrical songs. Most great songs will move me to feel something, but songs like this move me through multiple feelings. It’s intense; almost overwhelming. I have to be careful who i’m around when such music reaches me.

[dustybiker]

There was one specific Ave Maria piece that I heard on MySpace back in the day, it brought chills it was so perfect. I had it saved in music there and when it shut down I lost it. Wish I had written down who the female singer was. It has bugged me ever since. Gone through amazon and itunes music covers, no luck.

[Fireguy17]

theme from A Summer Place

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV0SuwqOTY4

Theme from Peter Gunn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHQcvhO2UC4

[bannacookies]

I love Theme From A Summer Place! It seems like whenever I talk about it it seems like no on knows what I am talking about. Glad to see someone with a great music taste here!

[Fireguy17]

@bannacookies I was ok with the movie, but I sure liked the music better.

[FootfetishistBoy]

My favorite that I wanna learn to play is the piano. It just looks so calming to play the piano. Maybe if I I bought myself a piano I could control my anger easily. Buts its too expensive.

My favorite to listen too is the violin. They are just so fancy. And I really like the piece from schindler's List

[FootfetishistBoy]

I think I read the question wrong. But I can answer that too.

Im a big fan of beautiful film scores. Everything from Hans Zimmer and John Williams to Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota.

I really like the scores from Interstellar, Inception, Schindler's List, The Good The Bad And The Ugly, Once Upon A Time In The West and The Godfather

[Dnice1]

Too many to name but here's a few:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/B0aBrQft90Uhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/x-dkRlwO2Kwhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/Tb4herBVRGYhttps://www.youtube.com/embed/rpzvi2WL5L8

[bubblegunnn]

I love playing guitar recently, was into keyboards when i was high school-college era, and im into drums when i wa kiddo..

I love play these instruments cuz it sounds cool when i can really play it and i got addicted

[xJeremyx]

Im a drummer as well and am picking up other instruments. I am teaching myself guitar.

[bubblegunnn]

Same. I also self taught haha

[bubblegunnn]

here's the songs i learned to play on my guitar..
Polyphia-G. O. A T
Dissection-The Somberlain

[xJeremyx]

no idea what those are 😅

Im more into classical guitar and fingerstyle

[TroyDT2]

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons. Here is part of it done by a legendary rock guitar player.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/sQK6O0TUGx4

[Guy13]

Flute (play it) and violin and anything Mozart does. Being Smartass with classical guitar comment. Don’t see that much though…Satriani was like the last pure guitar guy that I know about.

[xJeremyx]

I don't know, I have kind of fallen in love with some of Tarrega's works, and Erik Satie's gnosiennes and gymnopedies transcribed for guitar.

[AshLee83]

Love Mozart, Chopin, Ashkenazy, Horowitz, Rachmaninov and all classical pianists!!!

[xJeremyx]

Erik Satie is one of my favourites. His music is simple and calming, yet sad, haunting and melancholy. Perfect for listening to while sipping a cup of coffee.

[AshLee83]

I’ll check him out!!! Thank you!!! 💗

[xJeremyx]

the Gymnopedies are great for a weekend morning coffee.

[Anonymous]

Guitar Sounds by Ronald Jenkees. It's all done on keyboard but it sounds like guitar. The first half is awesome, but the second half not so much.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/3r6pBqmanH4

[AviatorTom]

Pachelbel, "Canon in D Major"

https://www.youtube.com/embed/NlprozGcs80

[OlderAndWiser]

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini

https://youtu.be/AAu6BRWL8p8

[DoctorSex]

Saxophone and piano.

Sax because of its masculine presence and piano because of its range of emotions one can express accurately with it.

Kind regards,

DoctorSex

[mobiusforniner]

On the nature of daylight by max richter

https://www.youtube.com/embed/rVN1B-tUpgs

[NerdInDenial]

Saxophone... Kenny G plays it so well:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xlfnedlb7iU

[Kebler]

Piano, i like it just because it is a very well put together instrument, and it can get u in ur emotions... i also like the Voilin.

[FreyaRed]

Chopin Heroic Polonaise and Liszt Hungarian rhapsody.

Unfortunately those two pieces are beyond my Piano playing skills.

[bolverk]

Vivaldi: The Four Seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)

https://www.youtube.com/embed/g1hEszuZ4lo

[BJP21]

I like the Typewriter Concerto its because the typewriter was being featured as the instrumental piece.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/tAdua8pGcE4

[CuriousMufuxka]

I have a top 3 that I don't want to pick a winner from. Guitar, drums, and harpsichord in no parti.. alright fuck it, Drums! I can actually play them decently albeit any guitar. Shit outta luck on finding the latter.

[msc545]

An old one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p13yZAjhU0M&ab_channel=ChrisGladbach

[xJeremyx]

OMG I love this song! So iconic!

[jennifer_bloom]

I like the piano because it has such a broad tonal range and is easy for music by ear.

[AndrésC64]

Okay, I know it's not an instrumental, but I just love this piece, it's so powerful.

https://youtu.be/FWiyKgeGWx0

[Anonymous]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/LcQKjffxIOY

Simply mesmerizing

[bannacookies]

River by Enya.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/mbD8FGGywrQ

[Pterodon]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/WfM6nRVBvGs

This one

[OddBeMe]

Cello is good as Yo Yo is a fave. Flutists who play it perfectly in an instrumental are really good. Lots of times flutes are over or under used.

[OddBeMe]

Oh! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O22wnmHVaGg

[loverHot]

https://www.youtube.com/embed/a5uQMwRMHcs

Baseline

[panamared1]

(568) Philip Upchurch Combo - You Can't Sit Down Part 1 / Part 2 - Boyd FR 1026 - 1961 - YouTube

[panamared1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiRBQ_hSNt0

[panamared1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKZ1q75vBEo

[Fuentes]

I tried the violin when they offered it in 5th grade lol I didn't try it again In 6th grade.

[Alperengin1]

ambient synthesizers

https://www.youtube.com/embed/cRzQuPvLjdU

[SpaceGalaxy]

Organ... the organ is a keyboard instrument

[Midgetmcwidget]

Sir Anthony Hopkins the waltz goes on

[Strangerdanger2120]

Moon lit sonata, it just hits my very core

[tfan1]

I love the Blue Danube

[peedy]

Joe Satriani, Surfing with the alien

[BLP11520]

I played some bass