Clavier Companion - January/February 2012 - 52

(E2-3) Just for Two: 16 Easy Piano Duets by John Kember. The versatile British composer and teacher John Kember has published numerous pedagogical collections, including five books of duets. Just for Two is his most recent contribution, and the collection contains sixteen elementary-to-intermediate level duets that feature equal difficulty for each player.

Kember’s specialization in jazz and popular composition is evident in Just for Two. Pieces like “Jazz Waltz,” “Habanera,” “Blues for Two,” and “Bossa Nova” are above-average examples, made even more appealing by the full, layered sound created by four hands. The composer also mixes popular styles with references to classical art music, as in “Petite Valse,” “Berceuse,” “Romanza,” and “Song Without Words.” Throughout, Kember displays a gift for fashioning interesting, lyrical melodies over elegant accompaniments. Though the pieces are simply structured, they are uni-

formly charming, with just enough subtle harmonic change to keep the listener engaged. Additionally, because the music is so structurally clear, these pieces are excellent choices for teaching accompanimental style, as well as analysis of harmony, rhythm, and form. The edition is clear and clean, which gives the music an added sense of maturity. Though some of the pieces are quite easy, the sophisticated presentation makes Just for Two a good choice for a college or adult piano class. I highly recommend this collection as a strong addition to the pedagogical duet repertoire. (Schott/Hal Leonard, $14.95) K.E. (S3-6) Presto e leggiero, edited by Ágnes Lakos. This collection of fiftyeight technical studies is compiled from the works of sixteen keyboard masters, from Francesco Ricci (1732-1817) to the most recent of the group, Carl Reinecke (1824-1910). Each selection ranges from eight to twenty-six measures, and the collection addresses a large scope of technical issues. While the pieces are somewhat progressive, teachers also could select studies at random in order to address particular technical challenges. Following the order of the studies as published, however, would provide students with a complete program of technical study. The book provides practice in technical issues such as scale and arpeggio playing, wrist rotation using broken intervals, fivefinger patterns with octave leaps, parallel and repeated sixths and thirds, and multiple voicings within the same hand. The pattern and brevity of each exercise will allow the student to memorize the selection quickly so that all attention may then be given to the look of the arms, wrists, hands, and fingers during practice. Ample fingering suggestions, articulations, and phrase indications are included. (Editio Musica Budapest/Hal Leonard, $14.99) K.W.B. (S4) Satie: Gymnopédies and Gnossiennes, edited by Matthew Edwards. In recent years, Schirmer Performance Editions have provided new collections of popular classical teaching pieces. The volumes are sophisticated, with beautifully designed covers, wellresearched historical and performance notes, and
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012

Beethoven Tour 2012
Belgium, Germany, Czech Republic, and Austria
Exploring the world of Beethoven; discovering his Flemish heritage; visiting his birthplace in Bonn; tracing his journeys in Bohemia; studying his life and career in Vienna Concerts, Lectures and Rare Excursions

July 27 - August 11, 2012
Some highlights of this exciting tour include

• Brussels-concert at the Musical Instruments Museum; Grand Place • Day-trip to Brugges; Beethoven’s ancestry in Mechelen • Rhine river cruise; Concert and visit of Beethoven museum in Bonn • Concerts at the Karlovy Vary Beethoven Festival; excursion to Teplitz • Vienna– Pasqualati and Heiligenstadt houses; Theater an der Wien; composers’ graves at Zentralfriedhof; gala dinner at the Sacher Hotel
Price of $6095* USD includes round-trip airfare from New York City, hotels & two meals per day *price may vary slightly due to currency fluctuations For information, brochure, and reservations contact Dr. William Wellborn; TEL- (415) 503-6200 ext. 6618; FAX- (415) 503-6299; EMAIL- Chopintour@aol.com; WEB- www.williamwellborn.com

CLAVIER COMPANION

Clavier Companion - January/February 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clavier Companion - January/February 2012