AB II-16

Description

Albert Brussee

DEUX ÉTUDES MÉLODIQUES
for piano

In the first of the Deux études mélodiques, the frequent use of seventh, ninth and eleventh chords reveals a certain affinity with the world of jazz and musical. Unlike what is usual in that music, however, there is a strong focus on the linear-polyphonic element. The melody played by the right hand is supported by accompanying chords, from which lines sometimes break away (particularly in the reprise), forming a counter-melody to the theme. The tonal balance of these three ingredients – the melody, the counter-melody and the chord notes – constitutes the “technical problem” of this melodic study. The association with the world of the Romantic salon piece is clearly evident in Valse finale. But this composition is also quite demanding. The difficult left-hand part with its many leaps, the long broken chord formations that wind their way through the music like garlands, and the layering within the chords in the right hand – all this makes this melodic étude, played at the right tempo, a challenging whole.
Level of difficulty: Grade VII-IX (on a scale of XII grades).

– Mélodie
– Valse finale

REVIEWS
“These studies need to be taken seriously. Albert Brussee has had more in mind than composing some light piano music. Substantial technical difficulties have been incorporated. (…) Especially the waltz is difficult, because the technical difficulties have of course to be inaudible. And that is even harder in the case of pieces that carry the hallmark of being easy to listen to.”
Anonymous, Akkoord, August/September 2009 (Translated from the Dutch).

“These are salon pieces of the best kind. The demands are high. The pianist must possess virtuoso technique, especially for the Waltz, must have a good feeling for polyphony, and above all must be able to create atmosphere. Those who fulfil these demands can experience intimate satisfaction with these two studies.”
Maarten Boonstra, PianoWereld 2009-5 (Translated from the Dutch).

“Of course we are dealing here with salon music, but the score is demanding and asks for technical subtleties. This makes this music also appropriate for teaching purposes or for enjoyable music making. The demands are partly quite high, for instance in the Valse finale, which asks for a fine legato and for a good feeling for polyphony. Only then will this music sound as light and easy-going as it has to be.”
Anonymous, Piano News, 2013-3. (Translated from the German)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
© 2009 AB Music Productions & Editions, Apeldoorn.
12 pages, with a preface in Dutch and English.
Currently unavailable due to the Tarwekamp tragedy.