Character Pieces in Romantic Style, Book 1

SKU: BR.EB-6761

ISBN 9790004169629. 9 x 12 inches.

This series of easy piano pieces for teaching purposes presents pupils in the early and early-middle stages with a careful selection from well-known and less-known compositions by important masters. The individual volumes are deliberately kept small in extent, since it is more stimulating for children if the literature used for instruction is changed frequently. Of all Grieg's piano music, it is the Lyric Pieces (EB 8832) that enjoy the greatest popularity. These character pieces, which are very varied in their difficulty and their length, preoccupied the composer throughout his creative life. The easiest pieces from the first three books (op. 12, 38 and 43) have been chosen for the present volume. In the musical sense, however, they are by no means light-weight. Only someone who has made the art of playing expressively in the Romantic style his own with the help of Schumann's Scenes from childhood (EB 8436) will be able to interpret this poetry filled with the soul of nordic peoples appropriately. Interpretative indications have been partly added to; fingerings and the distribution of the music between the hands have, as far as possible, been adapted to smaller hands. Sensitive use of the pedal and a tempo rubato imbued with the sense of the music are prerequisites. Heinz Walter, Salzburg, Summer 1977.

SKU: BR.SON-627

ISBN 9790004803295. 10 x 12.5 inches.

In 1998, at the end of the 20th century, Breitkopf & Hartel started the publication of the Complete Edition, which is made possible thanks to the cooperation of the various Sibelius publishers. The Editors (Helsinki University Library and The Sibelius Society of Finland) and the Editorial Committee (Chairman: Timo Virtanen, Helsinki) believe that the volumes of JSW will provide the basis for a now conception of the creative work of Jean Sibelius.Reviews: One immediately recognizes the towering production quality of these volumes - a point that can be extended to all volumes thus far published in the set. The music is a joy to read; and the lucidity and thoroughness of the texts … are models of scholarly editions, and should be required reading for all bibliography and music-editing courses. … In sum, the JSW is a remarkable project: the scholarship is impeccable, the music scores and texts are simply a joy to study. Edward Jurkowski, Notes December 2011: 442-443At the back of this magnificent book are pages of critical commentary on a bar-by-bar analysis of an endless supply of musical notation requiring interpretation by the editor. … For the general, non-musically trained, purchaser of the edition there is the magisterial introduction to read, and fascinating reading it is. Edward W. Clark, Sibelius Society Newsletter 2009 The Sibelius pieces, however, are a revelation. I opened this magnificently produced volume - complete with multilingual critical report and generous facsimiles of original manuscripts - expecting Grieg-style quasi-nationalistic character pieces, and was instead presented with an incredible array of styles, textures, harmonic languages and levels of difficulty. Chris White, Piano Professional Summer 2009: 2This is not only a scholarly edition of one of the composer's major works, it is also a model for the philological editing of music in general. … JSW has chosen to have the emendations reflected in two places, in certain cases even in three: as graphic indications in the music text, in prose form in the critical commentary, and sometimes also in the form of a warning footnote on the music page. There can be no doubt that such a procedure is very user-friendly, but it disturbs the appearance of the music and may mislead the user into thinking that there are two or more equally valid readings. Niels Krabbe, Fontes Artis Musicae 54/2, 2007: 248 Editorial standards are high throughout, and maintain a careful balance between the competing demands of practical exigency and the need to provide as much scholarly evidence of variants as possible. The critical commentaries provide concise and effective descriptions of the sources and, where appropriate, information on compositional genesis and historical context. The introduction to each volume provide useful background information on historical reception, including much new material not previously brought to light in Tawaststjerna's biography. Daniel M. Grimley, Nineteenth-Century Music Review 2/2, 2005: 244.

SKU: BR.SON-625

ISBN 9790004803271. 10 x 12.5 inches.

In 1998, at the end of the 20th century, Breitkopf & Hartel started the publication of the Complete Edition, which is made possible thanks to the cooperation of the various Sibelius publishers. The Editors (Helsinki University Library and The Sibelius Society of Finland) and the Editorial Committee (Chairman: Timo Virtanen, Helsinki) believe that the volumes of JSW will provide the basis for a now conception of the creative work of Jean Sibelius.Reviews: One immediately recognizes the towering production quality of these volumes - a point that can be extended to all volumes thus far published in the set. The music is a joy to read; and the lucidity and thoroughness of the texts ... are models of scholarly editions, and should be required reading for all bibliography and music-editing courses. ... In sum, the JSW is a remarkable project: the scholarship is impeccable, the music scores and texts are simply a joy to study. Edward Jurkowski, Notes December 2011: 442-443At the back of this magnificent book are pages of critical commentary on a bar-by-bar analysis of an endless supply of musical notation requiring interpretation by the editor. ... For the general, non-musically trained, purchaser of the edition there is the magisterial introduction to read, and fascinating reading it is. Edward W. Clark, Sibelius Society Newsletter 2009 The Sibelius pieces, however, are a revelation. I opened this magnificently produced volume - complete with multilingual critical report and generous facsimiles of original manuscripts - expecting Grieg-style quasi-nationalistic character pieces, and was instead presented with an incredible array of styles, textures, harmonic languages and levels of difficulty. Chris White, Piano Professional Summer 2009: 2This is not only a scholarly edition of one of the composer's major works, it is also a model for the philological editing of music in general. ... JSW has chosen to have the emendations reflected in two places, in certain cases even in three: as graphic indications in the music text, in prose form in the critical commentary, and sometimes also in the form of a warning footnote on the music page. There can be no doubt that such a procedure is very user-friendly, but it disturbs the appearance of the music and may mislead the user into thinking that there are two or more equally valid readings. Niels Krabbe, Fontes Artis Musicae 54/2, 2007: 248 Editorial standards are high throughout, and maintain a careful balance between the competing demands of practical exigency and the need to provide as much scholarly evidence of variants as possible. The critical commentaries provide concise and effective descriptions of the sources and, where appropriate, information on compositional genesis and historical context. The introduction to each volume provide useful background information on historical reception, including much new material not previously brought to light in Tawaststjerna's biography. Daniel M. Grimley, Nineteenth-Century Music Review 2/2, 2005: 244.

SKU: HL.49019221

ISBN 9790001180672. UPC: 841886018136. 9.0x12.0x0.092 inches.

Georg Goltermann (1824-1898) left a plethora of works for his instrument, including seven cello concertos which still play an important role in the cello literature of today. In addition, he composed a large number of character pieces, including romances, reveries, nocturnes and serenades. Rooted entirely in the romantic spirit of their time with regard to style, they are relatively short pieces of medium difficulty. It is not least due to its melodic and harmonic catchiness that the rather easy Reverie in G minor Op. 92/2 enjoys great popularity both in lessons and in concerts. The expression marking 'Allegro appassionato' refers to the fundamental character of the piece which demands, in particular, an expressive vibrato rich in modulation.

SKU: HL.48024688

ISBN 9781540058782. UPC: 888680952952.

Jacques Offenbach was not only a composer of inexhaustible imagination, but also a virtuoso cellist. Even after his first years in Paris, he liked to perform as a musician again and again. To mark his 200th birthday in 2019, the Offenbach Edition Keck OEK publishes original compositions by the 'Mozart of the Champs-Elysees' for 'his' instrument plus piano accompaniment. The pieces are suitable for amateur studies and concert performances alike - not only in the anniversary year! Some of them were already available in older separate editions, some of them have been unpublished until now. In the present edition, they are published in three volumes according to their musical relation, based on the multiple award-winning editorial standards of the OEK. Vol. 1 contains dance-like pieces (Tarantelle / Trois Andante / Marche chinoise), Vol. 2 baroque-style parodies (Musette / Chant des mariniers galants dapres Rameau / Tambourin dapres Rameau) and Vol. 3 Romantic character pieces (La Course en traineau / Introduction et valse melancolique / Reverie au bord de mer / Deux ames au ciel).

SKU: HL.49017574

ISBN 9790001153195. UPC: 884088566425. 9.0x12.0x0.232 inches.

Christian Sinding (1856-1941) gained worldwide fame with his piano piece 'Fruhlingsrauschen', which is likely to be his most famous work still today. The '5 Klavierstucke' Op. 97, created in 1909, are bravura pieces the late Romantic harmony of which is sometimes reminiscent of Richard Strauss. The effective brilliant piano setting is characterised by a widely elaborated melody and can be easily mastered by the advanced player.Large arpeggios characterise the first piece 'Des Morgens'. 'Auf dem Wasser' is an evocative tone painting in swaying 12/8 time with powerful unison passages in the middle section. 'Intermezzo' appears capricious, with dance-like figures. 'Gewitter' is a brilliant concert study in the style of Liszt. The work concludes with the piece 'Aquarell', a poetic salon piece revelling in harmonies, notated as a clear piano setting.

SKU: CF.CAS63

ISBN 9780825889387. UPC: 798408089382. 8.5 x 11 inches. Key: D major.

Originally written for string quartet, this fantastic characteristic piece from Glazunov is a welcome addition to the string orchestra repertoire, as arranged by Deborah Baker Monday. Well-suited for the more advanced ensemble, it contains excellent musical opportunities and the chance to play the music of a prominent Russian composer. Deborah's setting stays very true to the original, but enhances it for use by the full ensemble. Alert your contest/festival music committee to this worthy new piece for high school string orchestras.
Alexander Glazunov (1865–1936) lived during a very transitional period of Russian music history, active as a composer, conductor, and teacher. He was a part of the Romantic school of Russian music following in the tradition of Tchaikovsky, like his fellow composers Borodin and Rimsky-Korsakov.During his years at the conservatory he instructed many students who chose to pursue the modern trends set forth by Debussy. Stravinsky, Shostakovich, and even Prokofiev took instruction from Glazunov. Although they considered him old-fashioned, he was remembered as a stabilizing influence during transitional times.Glazunov’s music stayed within the category of Russian Romanticsm: nationalistic with classical formality. His list of works includes numerous symphonies, concertos, piano and vocal works, and chamber works including seven string quartets.Op. 15 was first given the title “Suite” (a collection of dances), and after a friend’s recommendation he changed the name to “Novelettes”. The five movements are of contrasting style, but beautifully reminiscent of their particular themes:I. Alla SpagnuolaII. OrientaleIII. Interludium in modo anticoIV. ValseV. All’ UnghereseThis movement is very well adaptable for string orchestra. The original string quartet moodis light, using harmonics and pizzicato, but there are forceful sections which allow for strong sectional playing (especially with the cello and bass orchestral sound). There is very much interesting melodic material offered for all instruments which lends itself to a fantastic string orchestra arrangement. Conductors will find material in all sections which provide greatopportunities for rehearsal.The form is a large ABA with a D.C. al fine, but the sections are not square by any means.There is lots of energy and momentum in the material of both sections, as well as a modalcharacter which gives the music an exotic sound. Bowing patterns abound in all sections formore great teaching opportunities.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians

SKU: CF.CAS34F

ISBN 9780825861062. UPC: 798408061067. 8.5 X 11 inches. Key: E minor.

Cliffhanger is a programmatic work for string orchestra that harkens back to the days of silent film. One of the lasting images of that time period is the Saturday afternoon matinee, where each episode ended on a cliffhanger until it could be continued next week. This piece tells the familiar story of the damsel in distress who is tied up to the train tracks as a train is approaching. Nicely done!.
Cliffhanger is a programmatic work for string orchestra that harkens back to the days of silent film. One of the lasting images of that time period is the Saturday- afternoon matinee, where each episode ended on a cliffhanger until it could be continued next week. This piece tells the familiar story of the damsel in distress who is tied up to the train tracks as a train is approaching.The opening of the piece sets the scene with danger and desperation. By m. 6, our hero is making his way on horseback to rescue the fair maiden. This main melody is developed and passed around the ensemble until m. 36, at which point despair sets in. The music is rich with romantic harmonies and inner lines. Be sure to bring out these inner lines to add to the passion and drama of the moment. It continues to build until a thunderous arrival at m. 49. From there we return to our hero, who is now getting close to the train tracks to save the fair maiden. The tension becomes the highest at m. 61, when we are still not sure if our hero will make it in time. But alas, at m. 68 he swoops in to save the day and rescue the fair maiden. Of course, they live happily ever after.My hope is that your ensemble will have some fun with this style of music. It was adapted from an arrangement I wrote for the new pipe organ at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. They wanted some scary train music to show children how the organ was used back before movies had sound. Strings provide a heightened sense of drama with this genre of music.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians