An irresistible treat for four hands!

Piano duets, get ready! Here comes Michael Proksch's "A Spaniard for Elise," a collection of twelve exquisite pieces that are an irresistible treat for lovers of four-hand playing. The "Spaniard" offers something for every level of proficiency. You'll feel blissful "In Seventh Heaven" and full of joie de vivre on Paris's Pont-Neuf in "Seine Scene." You can join "Erik Satie, Surprised by the Fresh Country Air" and engage in a temperamental dialogue of styles in "A Spaniard for Elise." Enhancing the pedagogical value of this singular collection are comments on how to play the pieces, as well as a CD which can not only be listened to and enjoyed, but also used as a play-along version, as it carries individual tracks for the primo and secondo parts

To music and notes sample No. 5 High Spirits
Primo:  Staccati with a dynamic, forward drive produced with a nimbly reacting wrist and calm arm. Strongly accentuate the first note at legato slurs. The appoggiaturas can be initially left out. mm. 1-8: Right hand plays alone; mm. 9-16 divided between l.h. and r.h.
Secondo: four-measure-long accompaniment pattern (can also be used as a basis for original melodies!). The fourth beats are stressed through slurred eighths.
 

Preface

"A Spaniard for Elise" is a collection of piano duets that offer a broad palette of expressive resources through their fusion of modern rhythms with classical forms and harmonies. Treated in a playful manner and with a hint of irony, this mix of different stylistic elements - along with illustrative titles – stimulates the players' musical Imagination and motivates them to play with greater expressiveness and vivacity. The pieces are conceived in such a way that the Primo and Secondo parts make about the same technical demands on the players. Pianists of similar technical proficiency will thus find it easy to play together. Even though most of the pieces arose in conjunction with the teaching of children and youths, it is a major concern of this book that adults also feel encouraged to freshen up their piano playing. Indeed, we hope that they might be inspired to make music together with other family members or friends. It is a wonderful way for adults to make interesting new experiences, in particular with their children. The concert performance of the pieces on the enclosed CD should be seen as only one of many ways to interpret them and is intended to stimulate a creative approach to the music. In addition, the CD also contains play-along tracks for all twelve pieces conceived as an aid for learning, practicing and performing. Further information, along with tips and ideas for playing and teaching, can be found in the commentaries beginning on page 44. All the pieces and texts were written in dose collaboration with the pianist Ritva Sjöstedt, whose pianistic and pedagogical experience played an essential role in the conception and realization of this book as well as of the CD recording. Have tun with "A Spaniard for Elise" - whether you're practicing, playing or simply listening!

Michael Proksch Munich, Fall 2003

Cover design and illustrations by Dorothea Lindenberg

 

EB 8769   17,50 €