To all pianists out there: don't you find it irritating when?

Question

You can play really advanced pieces like Moonlight Sonata or a Chopin Nocturne. and the first piece the people request to hear is Fur Elise. I played that like 5 years ago, it's long been forgotten. That other day, I was playing Chopin nocturne no. 9. And this girl just said, "okay, can you play Fur Elise?" and I say no. and she tells her little friends that I suck at piano-playing! But I'll just try and memorize it again, for the sake of it.

Answer 1

Yes, I completely agree!! My parents always ask for other easy pieces and other people too.  but really, the moonlight sonata- I don't think that is very advanced.

Answer 2

The famous virtuoso classical saxophonist Donald Sinta taught at my college in the Seventies.  He would tell his students, that no matter HOW many difficult, world-class selections they could play - people will still ask them to play Yakkety Sax.  Such is life.  So learn it.  

Such is life - so just realize that what you platy means a lot to SOME people - and the experts will always recognize great ability.  I can play Strauss all night long for a Viennese ball, and make hundreds of people very happy - and the next weekend, play a difficult recital, and make 20 experts happy.  So?  I recently played at a memorial service for a well-known member of my community.  People who NEVER EVER came to any of my concert appearances heard me play - for the first time!  At least I got to touch them in THAT way.  The people who hear you play something THEY know might be similarly moved.  For you to stick your nose in the air, and say you DO NOT play a certain piece - everyone loses.

And why did you *forget* Fur Elise?  You should retain ALL your repertoire.

Answer 3

Not the same instrument, but as a violinist I HATE it when people ask if I can play a fiddle piece.  I don't fiddle, I don't enjoy fiddle music, and as a classically trained musician I don't want to know how to fiddle!  No one ever wants to hear the Bruch concerto, they just want to hear the Orange Blossom Special.

Answer 4

yes.

the other request i get all the time is pink panther.

Answer 5

EVERYONE WANTS TO HEAR FUR ELISE! i used to play guitar...and that was one of the only songs i learned because it was asked so often. haah. ya...just learn it again! its simple!