This instalment from our Pieces to Play series features a selection of modern pieces from one of Debussy’s impressionistic masterpieces through to a charming, jazzy tribute by Valerie Capers. Also included is Bartok’s ingenious Mikrokosmos for honing technique at all levels and a beautiful prelude by Rachmaninoff!
Bartok – Mikrokosmos (Volumes 1 & 2)
Bartok’s Mikrokosmos develops pianism at all levels – most especially when it comes to sharp thinking and physical enjoyment. In his new video series, William Westney illustrates in detail why these works have long been his indispensable, uniquely effective “power tool” as a teacher. Always refreshing musically, the six volumes are filled with witty, creative compositional gems for honing the skills of pianists from beginners to pre-professionals!
In the first video from his series on this work, William Westney introduces the collection and demonstrates several concepts using the first piece from volume 1:
Click here to view the series index which includes videos for a selection of works from Volume 1 & 2.
Valerie Capers – Billie’s Song (No. 7 from Portraits in Jazz)
Valerie Capers composed Billie’s Song as a tribute to the great jazz singer, Billie Holiday. This beautiful ballad is featured in the Grade 4 list from the ABRSM 2023 & 2024 examination syllabus and can serve as a great introduction to the world of jazz. Capers uses lush, extended harmonies to accompany a lyrical melody to project, as she says, the “special warmth and intensity” of “the great lady of song.”
Fred Karpoff’s video lesson on this beautiful but accessible jazz ballade covers voicing, phrasing, creating a round sound and is available on the Online Academy here.
Debussy – Canope (No. 10 from Preludes, Book II)
Canope (Canopic jar) is a mysterious work whose title refers to an Egyptian burial urn. It is one of the most technically approachable piano pieces by Debussy, though it is musically elusive. Claudio Arrau held it to be one of the greatest Préludes, saying, “It’s miraculous that he created, from so few notes, this kind of depth.”
In his video lesson on Canope, Fred Karpoff explores how sonority is affected not only by pedalling but also by the overtones of the harmonic series in addition to addressing challenges such as voicing, texture and interpretation. Click here to view on the Online Academy.
Rachmaninoff – Prelude in D Major, Op. 23 No. 4
For pianists, Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in D Major holds a special place as among the most beautiful solo pieces to play. Its main cantabile melody undergoes variation treatment (AA’BA’’) particularly with lyrical counterpoint and increasingly rich orchestration, with a tremendous climax leading to the final A section.
In a detailed video lesson (40+ minutes!), Fred Karpoff discusses voicing, pedalling and gives technical solutions and clever options for how to retake voices in different hands to facilitate a smoother, more pianistic performance. Click here to view on the Online Academy.
More Pieces to Play
Are you looking ideas and inspiration for new pieces to learn? Or are you a teacher searching for interesting repertoire for a student? Click here to view more instalments in our Pieces to Play series or click here to view a listing of our resources for the piano repertoire!
Practising the Piano Online Academy
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