Classical Masterpieces: E-Z Play Today Volume 400

I have never taken music lessons and I don't read music, yet.I have quite a collection of these books and while I know they aren't necessarily the entire piece as you would get from the original sheet music, I still thoroughly enjoy them.For anyone like me, they are fun and a way to get into music if you can't afford music lessons or, with the current state of the world, are stuck within home more than normal but want to get into musical enjoyment.Some of these books I've had for about 2 or 3 years and I've hit a point where I experiment so much with them on my Yamaha keyboard and I truly enjoy doing wild and crazy voices and sound effects and insane tempos.Oddly, my husband, who is a real musician on several instruments, is both amazed and humbled at the progress and weirdness but in a highly good way.And that's where the fun of music really is - taking something and mastering the basics of playing and then branching off to turn it into something that is not only creative and sounds good but leaves you smiling, knowing that you've mastered the song.Trust me, my hubby is very selective in praising my "musical" ability and when I first started out with this hobby years ago, he would just sadly shake his head and cover his ears.Now, he is quick to remind me that there are musical artists out there who we all know and who do NOT read music either and we'd all agree that they create fantastic tunes that we all enjoy.Now these "simple" books do double duty for me as I gave in, went to our local flute store and purchased a real student flute and these books have helped me for the past year and a half work my way through mastering fingering and tone and learning the flute - since covid hit right at the time when I was ready to start lessons.Hubby's praise is that I must have been a flutist in a past life because right off the bat, I was sailing along and he says it is shame that lessons are still out there in the future.So if you're serious about devoting yourself and committing, have had no musical lessons but REALLY have an urge to dive in and can't get private lessons right now - these books are a fabulous gateway to get in there, dive in and start having some real fun!Or if you did band way back in the day in school but it has been years you might enjoy a book or two if you want to get back into it but don't feel you're ready for lessons.Experienced musicians probably would find the books of little to no value, unless they might be introducing music to younger child or an older relative to test the waters before committing to costly lessons - in case the relative ends up just enjoying.But for us amateurs, go pick out a few books today. Be patient with yourself as you go and stick to committed practice. I'd suggest this classical one, for sure and maybe one of the jazz ones to get started. And for sure, a Christmas one!That would give you a nice range of notes to be playing as well as a few different styles to become familiar with. Don't expect it to sound like versions you've heard in the beginning, work your way through different sections memorizing the correct fingers to keys and the speed, slowly working up to faster.Heck, I even work sections backwards on both the keyboard and flute because the better your muscle memory is on the notes, the easier it is and the more fun you'll end up having.Thanks to Hal Leonard's books - I now have 2 different instruments and a passion - much more than a hobby for a long time now - that brings me fun, musical appreciation, enjoyment and best of all - stress relief.And, oh yes - praise from hubby. But I'll leave the guitars and music writing to him.

I'm thrilled with this. It's the perfect bridge from where I am with piano to the next step. Where I am is the eye-hand problem. I know which notes they are, but not fast enough to play. This is a learner's book - it's got the letter written on the note. For some reason, that makes it possible for me to play all this classical music!

Bought used, and it arrived faster than expected!!Nice music 🎶

This is a selection of well known classical themes. Do not mistake these as being "complete" songs, as the arrangements are simplified and truncated. These songs are a good addition for a musician that wants a "touch" of classical music in their repertoire, but do not consider them as "serious" classical music. As with all Hal Leonard song books, care must be taken to see if it duplicates (too many) songs you might have in other song books.Some who have bought song books in the "EZ Play Today" notation style, express disappointment. So, it is important to understand exactly what the EZ Play Today style books are. These books are set up using "lead sheet" notation style, where the melody is written in a treble clef staff, with chord notations above the staff. For most "pop" songs, this is an efficient way to display the music, as bass accompaniment is easily "faked." The songs are transposed into the keys of C, F, or G (or the related minor keys of Am, Dm, or Em). All sharps/flats are notated as "accidental" since there is no "key signature" used on the staff. This reflects the "beginner" level of the music.I note that Hal Leonard also publishes some "easy (insert decade) fake books." That series of books transpose all songs into the Key of C. The plus is that the "Easy Fake Book" series have more of the character of the original compositions -- but are still arranged as "easy piano" level. Unfortnately, the "all in key of C" approach puts some songs in an awkward (musically) range. (It would have been better to follow the C, F, G transposition of the EZ Play Today books.)Generally, I like the EZPlay Today format music, as it's quick to read and the music is arranged in an "easy piano" style. While my level of musical skill is well above the skill level for these arrangements, this format is great for my "older person" vision ... with large notes. On the other hand, the arrangements are sometimes a little too simplified, losing some of the nuances in the music. The EZ Play Today format books are probably ideal for the beginning musician. I admit that there are times when I eventually get sheet music with more sophisticated arrangements of some songs, because of the limitations of this format can sometimes leave one wishing for a little more.... However, for a great many songs, the arrangements are perfectly acceptable for getting the basic melody of particular songs that, for me, aren't worth the effort to learn in a more sophisticated arrangement.As an aside, I wish song books (from all publishers) had the complete table of contents available in their online listings.

As a beginner in piano, I appreciate how quickly I can play the music that I have enjoyed listening to so much. It is even better to play it yourself. The selction of music is a major selling point too. I especially enjoy Clair de Lune and La donna e mobile from Rigoletto.

I think I expected longer sections from each masterpiece - the music seems too brief. I have not had time to really work on the melodies, and do plan to. It isn't my favorite book of music. I think the old fashioned way is better for the classics.

What can I say LOVE THESE BOOKS. Always pick the best songs to add. Nice job. Thank you!

Easy to read, big notes. easy keys to play in. I have a library of HL books if that tells you anything.

Notes are easy to play with this system. I am not a musician but I love classical music and I love when the melody comes out of my little piano.

Great selection of pieces, which includes a lot of the ones from the smaller E Z Play Classical books and some you won't find anywhere else. Easy to see notes and chords and good arrangements, along with speedy delivery, so well pleased!

Excellent product

Brilliant books

I like these books as they allow me to play with very little practice. I do find that as they are all in the key of C that there are often passages that only have one chord where it could do with more and find myself inserting chords but all in all great value and easy to get you started