You enter a dark, scary forest. The trees are huge and block out the sun. It seems like danger is lurking behind every tree and the whole world is about to close in on you…But then you find your way to a sunny clearing. The sun streams through the tree branches, and you hear birds singing merrily. Your fear dissipates as the forest becomes warm, inviting, and peaceful.

This is the “Eintritt in den Wald” or “Entry into the Forest” theme from Richard Strauss’s epic tone poem “Alpine Symphony”. This elementary piano arrangement begins dramatically in C minor, builds in intensity, and then the mood suddenly shifts for a calmer, more peaceful ending in C Major. This arrangement uses an extensive key range with octave changes, cross-hand arpeggios, and pedal for a grand, full sound. Best for mid to late beginner level and a fantastic choice for a recital piece.

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