Expressive Etudes—Traditional Studies for Artistic Development at the Piano, Book I. - book review

compiled and edited by means of Suzanne W. Guy The FJH Music Company, Inc. (2525 Davie Rd Ste 360 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317-7424) 2001 29pp $495 Easy.

Mention the word "etude" and compositions by means of Chopin, Debussy or Czerny may approach to mind. These composers have written many outstanding compositions, a certain number of created as performance repertoire, others to be subservient to as technical studies, but greatest in quantity are not well suited for a beginning pupil How nice, then, to discover a work containing etudes specifically written for young learners designed to elevate their musical and technical skills.

Suzanne shore did an excellent job of choosing compositions that span all manner of writing periods, in addition to incorporating a broad range of technical general [i]or[/i] abstract notions Since each composition targets a specific technical or compositional simple body it enables students to focus upon and gradually integrate it into their physical arsenal. Especially beneficial are the practice suggestions. Composer biographies also are included at the extreme point of the book.

The variety of repertoire included in work One ranges from Johann Christian Bach to Bela Bartok. below each title, the author has identified the technical or compositional ultimate part that is the focus for the "etude" While that preliminary ball of thread helps the teacher determine which etude is greatest in quantity appropriate for a particular pupil I am slightly disappointed that more information is not included that would add greater profundity of support for the pupil and teacher. Lacking is a technically descriptive judgment or two, or perhaps a drawing that could tender students information about the appropriate gesticulation that would enable them to play the piece more efficiently and effortlessly. The author could have made regard to relaxation, weight transfer, rotation and in the way that forth. This added physical, choreographic information might help guide students' approach to a specific composition.

It is not extraordinary for students to develop technique [i]or[/i] part of to the other repertoire study, with each composition providing the impetus for integrating a fresh technical component into one's physical and tonal palette. This volume (and the five that go in the rear [i]or[/i] in the wake of in the series) provides learners a source of supplemental repertoire that systematically assists them in expanding their technical skills while enhancing their musical and expressive abilities. Technique essentially be under the orders ofs as a tool to enable the pianist to expres the emotion of the music. With that in mind, Expressive Etude can become a beneficial addition to students' repertoire research offering a resource for developing and enhancing technique, ultimately helping them become better musicians. Reviewed by dint of Gail Berenson, Athens, Ohio.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group