Deborah Siepmann

 

 

‘Petite Reverie’ by Alexandre Tansman: approachable and deeply expressive – a perfect choice for grade 2-3 or an encore for the concert stage.

If I were to choose one piece in my teaching experience  that has captured more hearts and imaginations than any other it would have to be ‘Petite Reverie’ by Alexandre Tansman.  Why this piece is so little known has always been a mystery to me, but at the same time I have to admit feeling pleased that it’s an undiscovered gem and therefore a wonderful surprise to everyone I’ve given it to.  It’s very approachable (about grade 2-3) and is only one page long, and yet it feels utterly satisfying, musically complete and filled with atmosphere, with a dreamy and tender quality that becomes quite lush and even passionate in the middle section. I know of no other piece of that brevity that encompasses so much, and it appeals to pianists of all ages and levels.  In fact, it would make a beautiful encore even on the professional concert stage. ‘Petite Reverie’ is included in Volume 3 of Tansman’s Pour les enfants, and is available from Sheetmusicplus. Also in this volume is ‘Noel’ which is charming, though not with the universal appeal of the ‘Reverie’.  If you want to explore more of the set, I highly recommend ‘Au Jardin’ (in Volume 2) a beautiful and spare miniature (grade 1-2) with an exquisite, crystaline poignancy.  ‘Réflexions’, also in Volume 2, is warmly expressive  but more technically demanding – about grade 3-4.  I feel I’m sharing a wonderful secret in spreading the word about ‘Petite Reverie’!  Do write and let me know what you think of it.

 

‘L’orage’ (The Storm) by Friedrich Burgmuller: a confidence-building magic wand for grades 3 or 4 and up

How many budding pianists began their exploration of the keyboard by improvising a rainstorm?  I’ve certainly been treated to a number of them and have been struck by how that image captures the imagination of young musicians in the making.  Burgmuller’s ‘L’orage’ (‘The Storm’) is one of those exciting pieces that sounds so much more difficult than it actually is and opens up a world of drama with its surges of sound and opportunities for contrast and colour.  You can find it in Eighteen Characteristic Studies op 109 if you are interested in having a look at other pieces by Burgmuller,  or in Succeeding with the Masters: The Festival Collection Book 6 – a better buy perhaps as it contains 40 pieces in a variety of styles. (However I haven’t actually seen this book, and therefore cannot advise as regards the clearness of the printing, which, as we all know can make or break the most carefully chosen collection of pieces.) The Real Repertoire Series is fantastic and this piece is included in their book of Studies for Piano Grades 4-6, if you’re looking for a book of approachable etudes. It’s also included in another book of studies, enticingly called Expressive Etudes and I look forward to having a look at this.  Keith Snell’s beautifully chosen series Essential Piano Repertoire is one of my top finds of the year – 11 volumes of beautifully chosen pieces, clearly printed on high quality paper. ‘L’orage’ is included in Book 6.  This confidence-building piece was the turning point for one of pupils who absolutely took off with it and went on to high achievements –  a real magic wand!

 

‘Albumblatt’ Op 66 by Friedrich Grutzmacher - luxurious sweeps and cascades of sound for grade 5 (possibly 4) and up.

This glorious piece uses the whole keyboard with its bel canto melody soaring above rolling arpeggios,  and it could be described as a mini version of Liszt’s ‘Un Sospiro’, or ‘Liebestraum’.  If the pianist in question has a natural grasp of keyboard geography and can easily see and feel broken chords and arpeggios in successive octaves, it will be learned with relative ease.  The length might seem daunting at first, but as the beautiful sweeps of sound unfold, one is carried along so happily that it comes as a surprise when the opening section returns and one is back on familiar ground.  It’s a piece to luxuriate in, and, once again I’m amazed that it isn’t better known.  I have a lovely old single copy which has long been out of print, and now it’s available in only one collection that I know of – Recital Gems Book 2 published by Alfred.