Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937), the greatest French organist of his day, called the ten solo compositions in this two-volume edition "organ symphonies" to reflect both their secular spirit and the orchestral wealth of the timbres of the new French organs. Cast in the distinctive new form he developed, the symphonies usually consist of six or seven short movements of widely varying moods and textures, filled with lively and elegant marches and scherzos, lush pastorals and other musical forms not usually associated with organ music. Most were written specifically to exploit the capacities of the modern Cavaill -Coll organ, especially the rich-toned five-keyboard instrument at St-Sulpice in Paris.
Widely regarded as the culmination of French romanticism on the organ, Widor's symphonies include some of the most frequently performed and recorded works in the modern organ repertoire. Presented here in two inexpensive, well-made volumes, they offer a splendid resource for organists and all music lovers.
Inspired by the richness of Eastern folk music, Mily Balakirev composed the oriental fantasy Islamey in 1869. Based on themes from Armenia and the Caucasus region, this scintillating work is known worldwide as a supreme example of virtuoso piano writing at its best.
Other favorite Russian piano works featured in this exceptional compilation include music by Arensky, Borodin, Glinka, Rimsky-Korsakov, and other masters. Among them are such all-time favorites as Rubinstein's lovely "Melody in F," Prokofiev's blazing Toccata, Scriabin's famous Nocturne for Left Hand Alone, Rachmaninoff's Prelude in C Sharp Minor, Stravinsky's "Piano-Rag-music," and many more.
Aimed at intermediate- to advanced-level pianists, this handsome volume features an introduction by internationally acclaimed pianist Joseph Banowetz, a specialist in Russian piano music.
Contents: Concerto No. 1 in F Major * Concerto No. 2 in F Major * Concerto No. 3 in G Major. The comb binding creates a lay-flat book that is perfect for study and performance.
Based on extensive interviews, this illustrated text recounts the lives and music of ragtime pianist-composer Eubie Blake and his partner for 57 years, singer, lyricist and bandleader Noble Sissle.
An excellent source of supplemental piano solos that may be used as recital and concert pieces by beginning through intermediate piano students. Fun to play and enjoyable to hear, this collection is sure to capture student interest.
Explores the eighteenth-century musical breakthrough that led to the creation of the modern piano keyboard, which greatly expanded the creative possibilities of classical composition.
In this "rousing book that salutes the passion, the joy, and the pleasures of singing, music, and practice" (Spirituality and Health), Joan Oliver Goldsmith celebrates America's over 20 million singers and "teaches us that...to pursue a creative passion is a true act of love" (New Age). She guides us not only behind the scenes of choirs and ensembles but inside the making and hearing of harmonious sound. "Her words soar, growl, cry and whisper. And they inspire" (Publishers Weekly, starred review). As Goldsmith shares wisdom about finding one's voice, making mistakes, teaching, friendship, and the essential elements of creativity, "you'll learn that] much of what she's learned from music is applicable to almost any life" (Minneapolis Star Tribune). "'Singing for your life' is what Goldsmith's book is all about. Read it and sing " Bobby McFerrin
