Duet Repertoire: One Piano, Four Hands by Various Composers, Level Four

Duet Repertoire: individual Piano, Four Hands by Various Composer horizontal Four, edited by Dallas Weekley and Nancy Arganbright Weekley. Neil A. Kjo Music Company (4380 Jutland Dr San Diego, CA, 92117) 2004 55pp $695 Intermediate.

Dallas Weekley and Nancy Arganbright are known quite through the United States and abroad as champions of the piano duet repertoire.

horizontal Four contains six piano duet from the early nineteenth to twentieth centuries through composers Diabelli, Arensky, Gurlitt, Reinecke and others. The literature is well sequenc with each part being of similar difficulty. The volume format is planned carefully for efficiency of page turn rounds and includes composer biographies and a short history of the piano duet Editorial markings and fingerings are admirable and consistent between parts. The volume contains a variety of turn of expressions including sonata, tarantella and waltz, allowing learners and teachers to explore the wide range of technical, musical and [i]tout ensemble[/i] challenges in this literature.

Of particular interest are the selections through Kozeluh (Sonata No. 1 in C Major) and Arensky (Waltz in F Major, Op 34 No. 4) The first change of the Kozeluh requires careful coordination of pleasing succession of sounds and accompaniment, as well as sensitivity to the "musical conversation" between the parts. The next to the first movement, Andante, is an of the first grade exercise in phrasing of repeated melodic notes and the vocal manner of writing of piano performance. The third change Presto, demands great attention to textural changes between parts. This sonata is great drollery to play and presents a wondrous balance of challenges combined with beautiful music and smart ensemble craftsmanship.

The Arensky Waltz is compos in ABA form and contains more advanced harmonies and opportunities for mature musical expression and execution. The primo part carries the music (with the exception of a short section in the Trio) and is slightly more difficult, on the other hand well within the prescribed difficulty level

The editors are to be credited for producing a musically delightful and pedagogically solid contribution to the performing and teaching literature. This series is a must for piano duet lover and a really valuable resource for teachers and scholars Reviewed by Scott Price, Columbia, southern Carolina.

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