In a recent blog post, I explained the basic process creating an orchestral backing track that you can use to play along with your piano. This first piece – to which I made a free MP3 download – was using Gounod’s Ave Maria. This is based on an almost note-for-note version of Bach’s well know C Major Prelude.
As I received a positive reaction to this first attempt, I decided to look for other pieces that I could use in this way. Saint Saens ‘The Swan’ from the Carnaval of the Animals is a beautiful piece – probably known to most people even if they wouldn’t necessarily know its name.
Originally a Cello solo
This piece was originally written as a Cello solo (with Orchestra and Piano). The basic piano accompaniment isn’t actually that difficult – probably somewhere around a late beginner level. It’s certainly tricker than the C Major prelude, but with a little work remains accessible.
I found a couple of excellent arrangements of The Swan on IMSLP. One is the full orchestral score and the other is of an interesting Cello/Violin duet with piano accompaniment. So, unlike my Ave Maria recording (where I made up my own string and bass parts), to create this recording I simply recorded each part as written. I decided to merge both of the versions I found into my Garageband recording to add some additional interest.
I showed you in my post how to go about creating the orchestral backing track using Garageband. If you’d like to try creating the orchestral track for yourself, then that post (and associated YouTube video) will help you.
Download the Cello Solo version
However, if you prefer to just be able to play along with a pre-made version, then you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve created a free MP3 download available here for you (you’ll be asked for your email address to download the file).
Using this download, you’ll be able to play along something like I have done in the video below:
I have also created a set of practice notes to go with the MP3 file to give you tips on both learning the piece and meeting the challenge of playing with the recording.
However, and this is where it is slightly more interesting, I had also discovered a transcription of it by Siloti. This transcription was featured in the scores section of Pianist Magazine – Issue 94. Pianist classified it at advanced level, although I managed to learn it myself so it’s definitely not that difficult.
Using the magic of Garageband, once I had recorded all the individual parts, I could then create different versions. I do this by simply ‘silencing’ any individual part I don’t want.
Download a Solo Piano version
So, if we want the piano to take centre stage and provide the melody as well as the accompaniment, we simply silence the Cello part and export a new version. You can get the free MP3 file here (again, you’ll be asked for your email address to download the file).
I’ll create a recording of that soon so you can hear how it would sound.
When playing along with either version, I have left the recorded piano playing the first measure (bar) of the Introduction. I recommend you start playing on beat 4 of that measure (bar). If you downloaded the first version, you’ll have an email with links to this and all other versions.
Play The Swan with another instrument
Finally, as a bit of a bonus, I exported a version that still has the entire piano accompaniment but has the solo Cello removed. This way, if you play an instrument other than piano, you can even use it to play along with that instrument. The file is available here (again, you’ll be asked for your email address). Again, if you have already downloaded a file, just check your email for links to all the others.
I hope you’ll have as much fun playing along with them as I had making them. I look forward to hearing how you got on.
