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The
beauty of the modern day composer is that most likely, he
or she is still alive to be able to guide the player in
correctly playing his pieces. That is one advantage of which
I am taking today.
In many of my pieces such as Leonora; Parts 1 and 2 and
Serenity, I do not offer all pedal markings, but do want
pedal used. Much like that of impressionist composers, I
like how the sound blends from the pedal. One instruction
I will give however, is to listen to the harmonics of the
piano play on each other. The piano is so alive with sound,
especially when pedaling during the chords and clusters
in these songs. Many of these sounds were the inspiration
for these pieces. It is up to the discretion of the player
to interpret when to pedal. But, don't over pedal. Keep
the music sounding smooth and connected.
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Stories
and imagery inspire me to write music. The Many Moods of Charlie
is about one of my dogs. There are four distinct sections
for four distinct moods: 1. Happy 2. Sleepy 3. Scared 4. The
phrases "Hey Charlie, let me ask you a question. Hey
Charlie, do you want to go out?"
Spirits
of the Storm was inspired by mythology. Picture the Gods
in the sky throwing lightning bolts and thunder crashing
in the beginning of the piece, whereas the middle is the
eye of the storm.
Elizabeth
Peter's Amelia Peabody mystery novels inspired Evening At
Shepheard's. They take place in early 20th century England
and Egypt. Shepheard's is a hotel in Egypt where the characters
frequent and often get into trouble. Note the minuet feel
at the beginning-like many of the dances they would attend.
As the piece develops, the B section sounds troubling, much
like the adventures in which the characters find themselves.
But as they always come out victorious, the piece too, has
a happy ending.
I hope
you enjoy learning and playing these pieces.
D. Turetsky
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