Clowning Around on the Piano

Clowns have been a mainstay of entertainment – and sometimes insight – for centuries.  And those clowns might delight, amuse, or even sadden you.  Several piano pieces evoke the image of clowns. Here is a sampling, particularly of classical compositions.

Kabalevsky's "Clowns" is a lively and playful composition, capturing the lighthearted and sometimes mischievous nature of clowns. It's often used in educational settings due to its accessibility and engaging melody. 

Fučík's "Entry of the Gladiators" reflects a classic circus march, although it was not original written about clowns. Nevertheless, it is instantly recognizable and often used as a theme for clown acts. Its energetic and dramatic nature perfectly captures the excitement and spectacle of a circus performance. 

Tchaikovsky's "Dance of the Clowns" appears in Act II of The Nutcracker. It features a lively and whimsical melody that is often interpreted as representing the playful and sometimes clumsy movements of clowns. 

Mendelssohn's "A Dance of Clowns" is part of his larger work for Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is characterized by its playful and lighthearted melody, often used to represent the mischievous and energetic nature of the clowns in the play. 

Sondheim's "Send In the Clowns" is a ballad from Act II of his modern take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream. While the original context is a sad and introspective song, the piano arrangement can be interpreted in various ways, highlighting both the humor and pathos associated with clowns. It's a beautiful and expressive piece. 

Whether you are playing for laughs or performing a homage to classical clown interpretations, hopefully the music will bring a smile to the audience.