With piano composers’ sensitivity, it is not surprising that
they would be inspired by the idea of ghosts. More specifically, ghostly
literacy has inspired composers. Frances
Metcalfe, a retired music teacher like Tomoko, shares her list of ghost-inspired
classical music1. This blog focuses on literary ghost stories that were
transformed into piano pieces.
Beethoven’s fifth piano trio in D was nicknamed ghost because
of its ghostly sounding slow second movement. Playwright Samuel Beckett wrote
the play Ghost Trio,” which means Beethoven’s composition.
Shakespeare’s Hamlet is known for his interactions with
ghosts, so it is no surprise that Tchaikovsky’s “Hamlet Overture Fantasie” evokes
the turmoil of Hamlet’s feelings about death. This composition was arranged as
a piano solo.
Henry James’ story “the Turn of the Screw, which explores a
governess’s ghostly obsessions related to her children, was transformed into a
chamber opera. His twelve-note theme accentuates the mysterious and threatening
note. A piano arrangement captures the mood.
The tale of the flying dutchman has inspired several composers.
Wagner’s operatic treatment is probably the most well known. A piano solo of the opera’s overture is
available.
Vaughn Williams was inspired by British folk songs. As a result,
“The Lover’s Ghost” is a musical transformation of such a traditional tale. The
piano arrangement is usually set to accompany vocal performances.
These compositions showcase how literature can be
transformed into music, capturing the essence of a ghostly atmosphere, which is
certainly applicable during Halloween.
Metcalfe, F. (2021, Nov. 11). 11 pieces of classical music
inspired by ghosts. Spinditty. https://spinditty.com/genres/11-Pieces-of-Classical-Music-Inspired-by-Ghosts
