🎵 Notes from February 14 2026 meetup

We had an excellent afternoon at Ottawa Pianos, playing on "Felix", their flagship Yamaha Grand.  We welcomed Johnathan, Isabella, and Soukaina to the group. As usual, the diversity was notable, from Bach to Prokofiev, and still some more composers played for the first time. There were a few "love" theme pieces in homage to the day.  

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Graceful Ghost Rag, by William Bolcom
• Jennifer J: Sonnet 104 - Petrarch, by F. Liszt
• Jean-Claude: Impromptu Op. 90 # 2, by F. Schubert
• Johnathan: Romance Op. 118 # 5, by J. Brahms
• Mary Lou: Romance #2, Op. 11, by Clara Schumann
• Jeff: Visions Fugutives Op. 20 #16, by S. Prokofiev
• David R: Shenandoah, Traditional Folk Song arr. by Keith Jarrett, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Francine: Fireside Reverie, by Martha Mier
• Natalie: Sonata Op. 31 #2 3rd movement, by L. V. Beethoven
• Isabella: You and I, by Tom Geroll
• Paul: Waltz Op. 69 # 2, by Frederic Chopin
• David G:  Sonata in C, Op, 2 #3 2nd mov, by L.V. Beethoven
• Gregory: Misty, by Errol Garner
• Jennifer J: October, by P. Tchaikovsky
• Jeff: Prelude Op. 34 #2, by D. Shostakovich
• Jean-Claude: Nocturne #7 from Petite Suite, by Alexander Borodin
• Johnathan: Piano Sonata in A minor slow mov, by Mykola Lysenko
• Natalie: Mazurka  Op. 59 #2, by Frederic Chopin
• David R: Minuet in G, Gavotte in G Minor, March in D, by J. S. Bach from the Anna Magdalena notebook, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• David G: Pathetique Sonata 2nd, L.V. Beethoven

 

🎵 Notes from February 1 2026 meetup

We had an excellent session today at Francoise's, on a rare sunny day this winter. We welcomed new member Tony and cellist Priscilla.  Among the many diverse pieces was a Piano-Violin-Cello trio, our first one since 2014, and we hope there are more.  One of these days we could have a mini-orchestra, and we need a brass player! So please contact all your horn-playing friends. 

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: I'm in the Mood for Love, by Jimmie McHugh
• Gregory: Lara's Theme, by Maurice Jarre
• Tony: Canon in D, by J. Pachelbel
• Jean-Claude: January from The Seasons Op. 37a, by P. Tchaikovsky
• Françoise (piano), Kevin (violin) and Priscilla (cello) (Trio): Abbotsbury Gardens, by Tamara Konstantin
• Ryan W: Serenade, by F. Schubert
• Jocelyne: Etude in A Major Op. 636 No. 6, by Carl Czerny
• Nick: Sonata L11 in B Flat major, by J. Haydn
• Jeff: Visions Fugitives #16, by S. Prokofiev
• Wesley: Over the Rainbow, by Harold Arlen Arr. by George Shearing
• David G:  Prelude and Fugue in F# Major, WTC book 1, by J. S. Bach
• Mizuki: Liebestraum #3, by F. Liszt
• Ryan W: Consolation #3, by F. Liszt
• Jean-Claude: Adagio from Concerto in G first section, by Maurice Ravel
• Jeff: Prelude OP. 34 #6, by Dimitri Shostakovitch
• Wesley: Adagio in F Minor, by Joseph Bologne (Chevalier de Saint Georges)
• Françoise (vocal), Kevin (violin) and David G. (piano) (Trio) Apaisement, by Ange Flégier
• Jocelyne: Barcarole Op. 19 #5 by, Niels Gade
• Mizuki: Impromptu Op. 90 #3, by F.  Schubert

🎵 Notes from January 18 2026 meetup

We had a good session today at 10,000 Hours, with everything from Bach to Boogie, and thanks to Karin for keeping the play list. 

Here’s what was played:

• Karin: La fille aux cheveux de Lin, by C. Debussy
• Dave A:  Homecoming, by Hagood Hardy
• Heather: Believe, by Silvestri & Ballard
• Stephanie: Prelude #5, by F. Chopin
• Gordon: Sonata #14, A minor 1st mov, by W. A. Mozart
• Grace: Winter Breeze , by Steve Barakatt
• Natalie: Italian Concerto 3rd mov, by J. S.  Bach
• Nick: Sonata L12 in A, by J. Haydn 
• Marion: Old Joe Clark’s Boogie, by Gerard Martin
• Ryan W: Elegie, by Sergei Rachmaninov
• Mizuki: Impromptu Op 90, #3, by Franz Schubert
• Ryan W: Prelude Op 32, No.5, by Sergei Rachmaninov
• Mizuki: Siciliano, by J. S. Bach arr. W. Kempf
• Grace: Neiges, by André Gagnon
• Natalie: Mazurka Op 53 #1, by F. Chopin
• Nick: Sonata L11 1st mov, by J. Haydn
• Gordon: Sonata #14 in A minor 3rd mov, by W. A. Mozart

🎵 Notes from January 4 2026 meetup

Our first session of the new year started well, and for January, sun and no snow made it above average!  Our usual good variety of pieces included a first performance of one by Anton Brucker, a fairly well known composer who for some reason has not been performed at our group before. Pianists are encouraged to do this again!  

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Song Without Words Op. 53 #3,by F. Mendelssohn
• Christopher: Intermezzo Op. 116, by J. Brahms
• Paul: Waltz in C# minor Op. 64 #2,by F. Chopin
• Jeff: Visions Fugitives No. 16, by S. Prokofiev
• Kathy: Milonga del Angel, by Astor Piazzolla
• Karin & Dave (Piano duet): The Wind Beneath My Wings, by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar, arr Dan Coates
• Karin & Dave (Piano duet) As Time Goes B, by Herman Hupfield, arr Dan Coates
• Natalie: Mazurka Op. 59 #1, by F. Chopin
• Ryan W: Elegie Op. 3 #1, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Randy: Gymnopedie #1, by E. Satie
• Mary Lou: Romanze #2 Op. 11, by Clara  Schumann
• Jocelyn: Sinfonia in G major, by J. S. Bach
• Gregory: Runaway, by Del Shannon & Max Crook
• Kathy: Resurreccion del Angel, by Astor Piazzola
• Ryan W: Serenade, by F. Schubert
• Jeff: Ballade Op. 10 #1, by J. Brahms
• Randy: Steiermärker, by Anton Bruckner
• Paul: Waltz in A flat major Op. 69 #1, by F. Chopin
• Natalie: Italian Concerto 3rd mov, by J. S. Bach

🎵 Notes from December 6 2025 meetup

We had a good session today at David G's and welcomed new member Marion. The pieces ranged from Bach to Boogie and everything in-between. Two of the selections were used in films, a source of musical inspiration for some of us. We also learned from Jane that a Leafy Seadragon is not a myth, but a real fish related to seahorses, and quite aptly named.

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Toccata in D Minor, by J. S. Bach
• Marion: Bouncing Boogie, by Wesley Schaum
• Mizuki: Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, by Ryuichi Sakamoto
• Lorraine: Romanze Op. 24 #9, by Jean Sibelius
• David G: Romanze Op. 118 #5, by Johannes Brahms
• Jane: Leafy Seadragon, by Ina Dykstra
• Gordon: Sonata #14, K310 1st mov, by W. A. Mozart
• Randy: Prelude #5, by Dustin O’Halloran
• Mizuki: Nocturno, by Edvard Grieg
• Jane Waltz Viktor Kosenko
• David G: Intermezzo Op. 117 #1, by J. Brahms
• Gordon: Chanson de Matin (piano transcription), by Edward Elgar
• Gordon: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms

🎵 Notes from November 16 2025 meetup

Even with winter weather following a freezing rain warning, we had a decent turnout at 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios. For the first time, as an experiment, we met in the back Chamber Music Studio with two Steinway grand pianos … and were treated to some two piano repertoire.

Here’s what was played:

• Francine: Reflections, by D. Alexander
• Paul and Emil (two piano duet): Piano Concerto #2, first melodic theme from 2nd mov, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Ryan: Consolation #2, by F. Liszt
• Andrew: Morning Mood from Peer Gynt Suite, by E. Grieg
• Jeff: Preludes Op. 11 #10, 17 #3 and 16 #3, by A. Scriabin
• David R: Goldberg Variations #7, #18, #19, #30, Aria, by J. S. Bach, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Natalie: Sonata Op. 51 #2 3rd mov, by L. V. Beethoven
• Mizuki: Clair de Lune, by C. Debussy
• Martin: For Unto Us a Child is Born (from Messiah), by G. F. Handel
• David G: Ballade Op. 10 #4, by J. Brahms
• Andrew: Anitra’s Dance from Peer Gynt Suite, by E. Grieg
• Jeff: Prelude Op. 11 #10, by A. Scriabin
• Ryan: Liebestraum #3, by F. Liszt
• David R: The Legend of Carau Postlude, by Drew Jurecka, this piece concludes an engaging multimedia story by the Payadora Ensemble at https://legendofcarau.com/, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Mizuki: Prelude in B minor, by J. S. Bach (arr. A. Siloti)
• Ryan: Minute Waltz, by F. Chopin
• Paul and Emil (4 hands duet): Fantasia in F minor (final half), by F. Schubert

🎵 Notes from November 2 2025 meetup

It was a perfect fall day at Anne-Marie's, where we welcomed new member Ryan. There was our usual good selection of pieces, from the Baroque to very modern. Anne-Marie's accordion performance was the first on this instrument at one of our sessions. Although the focus of the group is piano, don't be afraid to bring a friend for a duet with another instrument. 

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Solace (A Mexican Serenade), by Scott Joplin
• Martin:  For Unto Us a Child is Born (from Messiah), by G. F. Handel
• Hedda: The Pink Panther, by Henry Mancini
• Anne-Marie: Waltz Op. 64 #2, by F. Chopin
• Ryan W: Nocturne Op. 27 # 2, by F. Chopin
• Randy: Morceau, by Arsentiy Kharitonov
• Paul & Emil (4 hands duet): Fantasie in F minor D.940, by F. Schubert
• Mizuki: River Flows in You, by Yiruma
• Gregory: Vexations, by E. Satie
• Paul: Waltz Op. 69 # 1, by F. Chopin
• Hedda: Bolero, by Alfredo Casella
• Ryan W: Pathétique Sonata #8 in C minor 2nd mov Op. 13, by L. V. Beethoven
• Anne-Marie (Accordion): La Valse Des Monstres, by Yann Tierson
• Mizuki: Fur Elise, by L. V. Beethoven

🎵 Notes from October 18 2025 meetup

We had a modestly sized session today at Ottawa Pianos, and welcomed new members David G. and Isabella to the group. There was, as usual, a good mix from Baroque to modern. 

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Gladiolus Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Francine: Silhouette Moon, by Martha Mier
• Dave and Karin (piano duet): As Time Goes By, by Hermann Hupfeld
• Dave and Karin (piano duet): The Wind Beneath My Wings, by Hermann Hupfeld
• Randy: Ogive #2, by E. Satie
• Françoise: The End of the World, by Arthur Kent arr. Lily Kershaw
• Mizuki: Notturno Op. 54 #4, by E. Grieg
• David G: Sonata #4 1st mov, by L. V. Beethoven
• Karin: Bruyères, by C. Debussy
• Randy: Ogive #3, by E. Satie
• Mizuki: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
• David G: Sonata #4 2nd mov, by L. V. Beethoven
• Francine: Sonatina in A minor, by Georg Anton Benda

🎵 Notes from October 5 2025 meetup

We had another great afternoon at Françoise's, on an unusually warm October day.  J. S. Bach was popular today, as was Beethoven and Satie. David again explored the "pairing" concept with two shorter works, as demonstrated earlier this year by Dennis.\

Here's what was played:

• Gregory: Rose Leaf Rag, by Scott Joplin
• Mary Ann  and Keegan (piano duet): Sonata in D major Op. 6 1st mov, by L. V. Beethoven
• Andrew: Fuguetta, by J. S. Bach
• Jeff: Prelude in B minor Op. 32 #10, by Sergei Rachmaninoff
• Jean-Claude: Adagio BWV 974, by Alessandro Marcello arr. J. S. Bach
• Mary Lou: Fantasia in C minor, by J. S. Bach
• David R: Ad Libre, by Alexandra Stréliski, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• David R: Opening Allemande of French Suite #4, by J. S. Bach, another tribute to Dennis, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Françoise (piano and vocal): Today I Made a Dream for You, by Emily Hall
• Lorraine: Sonata Op. 2 #1 Allegro, by L. V. Beethoven
• Randy: Gymnopédie #2, by E. Satie
• Mizuki: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
• Gregory: Vexations, by E. Satie
• Jean-Claude: French Suite #5 Allemande & Courante, by J. S. Bach
• Mizuki: Sonata, Woo 47 #2, by L. V. Beethoven
• Mary Lou: Romance #1 Op. 11, by Clara Schumann
• David R: Polovtsian Dance, by Alexander Borodin, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Françoise (piano) and Kevin (violin): Baby, by Adrián Berenguer
• Randy: Gymnopedie #3, by E. Satie

🎵 Notes from September 20 2025 meetup

We had a good session this morning at Steinway Gallery, with several new composers and two piano/violin duets.

Here’s what was played:

• Gordon: Intermezzo Op. 118 #2, by J. Brahms
• Jeff: Prelude in B minor, by S. Rachmaninoff
• Nick: Sonata L. 10, by J. Haydn
• Françoise (piano) and Kevin (violin): Dawn and One More Day, by Rebecca Kaiserin
• Paul: Goldberg Variations Aria, by J. S. Bach
• David R: Goldberg Variations #7, #19 and Aria, by J. S. Bach, SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here
• Natalie: Arabesque #1, by C. Debussy
• Mary Lou: Reverie in F minor, by D. Alexander
• Grace: Prelude Op. 28 #4, by F. Chopin
• Grace: How Insensitive, by T. Jobim
• Mizuki: Piano Sonata WoO 47 #2, by L. V. Beethoven
• John R: Etude Op. 25 #7, by F. Chopin
• Gordon: Prelude Op. 17 #6, by A. Scriabin
• Nick: Two Part Invention #1, by J. S. Bach
• Jeff: Preludes Op. 16 #3 and Op. 11 #10, by A. Scriabin
• John R: Sonata  K 570 (in B flat), 3rd movement (Allegretto), by W. A. Mozart
• David R: The Legend of Carau Postlude, by Drew Jurecka, this piece concludes an engaging multimedia story by the Payadora Ensemble at https://legendofcarau.com/ SoundCloud recording of David playing this piece is here