Readers’ Letters
Plenty of love for Mel Bonis, debating improvisation and advice for our composing competition
Phoebé
I love Mel Bonis’s piece Phoebé which is featured in the Scores section of issue 121. Is it possible to have more of these lush sounding scores for pieces in future issues? Rowena Fryer, Congleton, Cheshire
You have great taste, Rowena! When the editor came across this piece, she knew she’d found a winner. Inside this issue you might like to try Reynaldo Hahn’s Les revêries du Prince Églantine. It’s less thickly textured, but the harmonies are a dream. From recent past issues we’d recommend Levitzki’s The Enchanted Nymph (119), Sinding’s Rustle of Spring (102) and Chaminade’s Automne (86). More lush sounding pieces to come!
How does she do it?
Gabriela Montero’s interview inside issue 121 was a wonderful read. What a gift she has – to be able to take requests from the
audience and then improvise (in any style, I might add) on a melody. I dream of having the talent to do that! I also read the article on improvisation, in which some interviewees believe that one can ‘learn’ to improvise. I’m of the opinion that one is born with such gifts, though. What do other readers think? Thomas Williamson, Liverpool
Mordents made easier
I am learning to play JS Bach’s Prelude in G minor BWV 930. His works are famous (infamous, too) for their ornaments, and this Prelude is no exception, as there are many. I have found that it helps a lot if I strive to actually hear the other (accompanying) hand. Usually, but not always, the ornaments are in the treble clef, played by the right hand, with the left hand in the bass clef providing the foundation/accompaniment (e.g. in bars
11, 30, 32 and 40). It’s taken a lot of effort, but as I’ve striven to hear and finally actually heard the left hand, I’ve found the right hand falls into place. Roderick T. Beaman, Florida, US
Pen at the ready
I am thinking of entering the Pianist Composing Competition again. I’ve entered twice in the past and I must say, the preparation and experience is great for the brain! Is one able to submit an arrangement again this year? Or does it need to be a totally original work? Suzanne Downie, Kent
We are glad you have enjoyed the process. Applicants should submit original works only. Full details (rules and so on) can be found on our website. The deadline is 6 December, so there’s plenty of time for you to create a unique masterpiece!