SHEET MUSIC REVIEWS

PIANO ALBUM: FROM BACH TO GERSHWIN Henle

Henle published this book to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their founding. Produced with a stapled binding, it contains 17 pieces, arranged chronologically from JS Bach to Gershwin, and ranges in difficulty from Grade 4 to Grade 8+. Or, in terms of Henle’s occasionally questionable difficulty rating, from level 2 to 6. Given the ‘all-time favourites’ subtitle on the cover, it will come as no surprise that the majority of pieces are well-worn classics such as Beethoven’s Für Elise, Chopin’s ‘Funeral March’, and Ravel’s Pavane pour une infante defunte, although there are a few (such as Scriabin’s Op 11 No 2) that fit the epithet more loosely.

THE PIANO PLAYER: UPLIFTING CLASSICS Faber

This is the eighth book in Faber’s Piano Player series, each of which includes 20 classical pieces that reflect the title, such as Tear-Jerkers, British Classics, and Christmas Time. The 20 pieces in this volume have been selected for their uplifting qualities, from the rousing characteristics of ‘I Vow to Thee, My Country’, and ‘Nimrod’, to the cheerful buoyance of ‘The Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Can-Can’. The arrangements are all pianistically conceived at around Grade 4 to 7, and a few of the pieces are printed in their original piano solo form. A fine addition to the series, with a range of repertoire to suit a wide variety of tastes.

SAINT-SAËNS Six Études for piano Op 52 Bärenreiter

This set of Six Études was first published as a collection in 1877 by Durand, when SaintSaëns was in his forties. Saint-Saëns often played the third Étude (Prelude and Fugue in F minor), which he dedicated to Anton Rubinstein, whilst the 14-page-long sixth Étude (En forme de valse) has gained some notoriety as a scintillating crowd-pleaser. These are all technically formidable pieces requiring stamina – the third Étude, for example, consists of 377 consecutive rapid chords played as alternating triplets between the hands, whilst the fifth starts off with 120 alternating legato sixths in the right hand. Bärenreiter’s presentation is, as ever, top notch.

SCHUBERT Piano Sonatas Vol II Bärenreiter

Bärenreiter have now published Schubert’s complete piano sonatas in three volumes, and have also issued the last four sonatas individually. This volume, titled ‘The Middle Sonatas’, contains the five sonatas that Schubert completed between 1818 and 1825 – namely, D664, D784, D840, D845 and D850. As with the other two volumes, no editorial fingering or pedalling suggestions have been added, whilst the 15-page Preface includes detailed background information to the pieces, along with notes on performance practice which address topics such as accents, dynamics, and embellishments. The book is expensive, but this is the price one pays for a sumptuous overall package. Bärenreiter offer a small discount for those buying the complete three-volume set.

QUEEN FOR PIANO DUET Phillip Keveren Hal Leonard

Phillip Keveren is a prolific American composer with over 100 titles to his name in Hal Leonard’s catalogue. His solo arrangements of pop music include hits by artists such as Coldplay, Elton John, Adele and The Beatles, but this is his first volume of duets from a similar genre. The eight pieces in this book are skilfully arranged so that both parts are around the same level (Grade 4 to 6) and have equal interest, although those who can’t stretch an octave should take the top part. The parts are printed in vertical alignment, which is ideal for cross-referencing. If you’re familiar with the original songs, these arrangements offer a wonderful opportunity to develop your ensemble skills whilst having a great time!

JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON Piano Works Faber

Jóhann Jóhannsson was an Icelandic composer, perhaps best known for his award-winning film score to The Theory of Everything. This book is around 100 pages long, and contains 30 pieces taken from his solo records and film scores. Almost all the pieces were originally written for multiple instruments, often using electronic effects, but the atmospheric effect of the music remains when transferred to the piano medium. Photos of Jóhannsson are scattered throughout the hardcover book, and the inset black and white photo on the front cover helps create the impression of a musical book of remembrance. The price is eye-watering and the binding is too stiff but this represents a marvellous tribute to the composer.

MY GARDEN NOTEBOOK Angeline Bell Editions Musica Ferrum

This is Angeline Bell’s third book of piano solos for Editions Music Ferrum, following on from My Quirky Notebook and My Lyrical Notebook released last year. Similarly well-presented with an enticing cover, My Garden Notebook contains 24 pieces – a generous quantity – and is pitched at a lower level of difficulty than her previous albums, at Grade 0 to 4. The music is all inspired by nature, and the composer gives a couple of introductory sentences to help the performer capture the right character. Written in a contemporary, attractive style, several of the works leave a memorable impression, such as the atmospheric ‘First Light’. Another noteworthy book!

9 FEMALE COMPOSERS FROM 3 CENTURIES Wiener Urtext Edition

Joining the recent flurry of books publicising piano music by women is this offering from Wiener Urtext containing 25 pieces by nine composers presented in chronological order: Elisabetta de Gambarini, Marianna von Martines, Louise Farrenc, Fanny Hensel, Clara Schumann, Marie Jaëll, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Melanie Bonis and Lili Boulanger. Beginning with a neat little Gavotte by Gambarini at around Grade 2 level, the selection includes five études by Farrenc, a Tempo di Minuetto by Martines (on the ABRSM’s Grade 7 syllabus), and some works by the French composer Marie Jaëll (1846-1925) which should be better known. A commendable book – let’s hope for a similar one featuring more advanced music in the future.