Gregory Stone has transcribed these three selected preludes for one piano-four hands. For much of his life George Gershwin sought to integrate the worlds of jazz and classical music. These pieces are not jazz improvisations but they do show something of the style of his own playing. Gershwin had intended to compose a set of twelve a sort of jazz Wohltemperierte Clavier but his unexpected death from a brain tumour at the age of 38 prevented this. At least seven survive (others may have ended up as songs) and this set of three as published form a satisfying unit. The first opens with a blue-note riff which forms the basis of the first theme.Contrasting material follows making use of a distinctive repeated note figure then the first idea reappears in a quasi-orchestral climax. The second prelude shows a curious kinship with Chopin s A minor Prelude with its eerie accompaniment and hypnotic melody. The third exploits a similar major/minor ambivalence but dextrous syncopation gives it driving rhythmic energy.
SKU: HL.49044195
ISBN 9790001190879. UPC: 840126933604. 9.0x12.0x0.065 inches.
The melodies from George Gershwin's (1898-1937) musicals, from 'Porgy and Bess', from orchestral pieces like 'Rhapsody in Blue' or 'An American in Paris', we all know them! But the career of the young musician started as a pianist in a music publishing house where he was to encourage customers to buy music by playing it. Soon he began to compose music himself and caught the attention of the Broadway, which paved the way to his international career. Inspired by Frederic Chopin's 24 Preludes, he began to write his own 'Preludes' for the piano in the mid-1920s: Of the five preludes composed by him, he used two for the violin composition 'Short Story' and presented the other three at a concert on 4 December 1926. These 'Preludes' combine classical moments and jazz elements into an effective whole and can be played individually or as a little jazz sonata (fast - slow - fast). Thanks to the present arrangement, the charming miniatures are now available in a version for solo instrument and piano accompaniment.
SKU: HL.285679
ISBN 9781540038883. UPC: 888680890636. 9.0x12.0x0.093 inches.
For this newly engraved edition of Gershwin's Preludes, the editors consulted manuscript sources at the Library of Congress and all available published editions. Includes a preface about the history of the preludes, detailed notes about sources, and fingering.
SKU: KJ.GP474
ISBN 9780849799181.
First published in 1927, these gems still excite listeners and motivate performers! Each prelude shows George Gershwinâ??s unique ability to combine early 20th century classical music styles with jazz elements. Excellent works for an early-advanced pianistâ??s repertoire.
