AB II-16

Description

Albert Brussee

DEUX ÉTUDES MÉLODIQUES
for piano

Because of the frequent use of seventh, ninth and eleventh chords, a certain affinity with jazz can be detected in Mélodie. In contrast to that, however, great attention is paid to the linear polyphonic element. The melody played by the right hand is supported by accompanying chords, from which lines sometimes break free (especially in the reprise) and form a counterpart to the theme. Unifying these three ingredients in terms of sound forms the ‘problem’ with these melodic study. The association with the world of the Romantic salon works is clearly audible in Valse finale. But this composition, too, is quite complex. Because of the difficult left-hand part with its many leaps, the widely broken chord formations that twirl as garlands through the music, and the stratification within the chords of the right hand, this melodic study, when played at the correct tempo, is a quite difficult entity.
Level of difficulty: Grade VII-IX (on a scale of XII grades).

– Mélodie
– Valse finale

AB II-16_0

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.”
AnonymousAkkoord, 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 BoonstraPianoWereld 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.”
AnonymousPiano News, 2013-3. (Translated from the German)

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
© 2009 AB Music Productions & Editions, The Hague.
12 pages, with a preface in Dutch and English.
Available through the usual music channels (distribution in Holland and Belgium by Hal Leonard) or direct from AB Music Productions and Editions.

8.50

Because of the frequent use of seventh, ninth and eleventh chords, a certain affinity with jazz can be detected in Mélodie. The association with the world of the Romantic salon pieces is clearly audible in Valse finale. However, this composition is complex. Because of the difficult left-hand part with its many leaps and the widely broken chord formations that twirl as garlands through the music, this melodic study is a quite difficult entity.

Category:
TOP