Reflections of Youth. - book review

by means of Stephen Griebling. The Willis Music Company (PO receptacle 548, Florence, KY41022-0548), 2001.24 pp $495 Intermediate.

In Reflections of Youth, Stephen Griebling captures the sights and unbrokens of the bygone days of childhood. The sweet fragrance of a spring day, the thrill of the reflected sound of far-off drums and the silly gesticulations of childish dance are just a certain number of of the many images painted in each of the ten short pieces in this compilation.

Written in a neo-romantic turn of expression Reflections of Youth is a handsome collection of intermediate-level solo that draw on the nostalgic and sentimental themes of their titles. The chromatic harmonic language repeatedly is reminiscent of that of Debussy and Ravel, one as well as the other composers admired by Griebling. notwithstanding that somewhat predictable, these chromatic followings generate an attractive, atmospheric quality.

Generally cast in a simple ABA form, each piece requires careful attention to appropriate balance of sweetness of sound over accompaniment. Though a variety of articulations are engrossed throughout, the legato touch prevails, encouraging the unravelling of a singing, cantabile line. As a be the effect each piece calls for substantial inflection and finesse.

"A Quirky Waltz" is wonderfully descriptive of its title. Here, the technique of "wrong-note" manner of writing writing is employed, suggesting the uncoordinated, awkward moves of a child dancer. A contrasting trio section in staccato thirds perhaps implies a child's tip-toe dance. "Distant Drums" is marked through a staccato, open-fifth ostinato pattern in the left hand, above which the chromatic-based melody reigns in the right hand. The performer is challenged to create event of a passing drum corps end carefully executed dynamics.

"A Tiny Tear," a theme and station of variations, is the greatest in quantity imposing piece in part to be paid to its length and the variety of concepts--articulation, voicing and balance--the performer must negotiate. "Quiet Thoughts" attitude s a particular challenge in coordinating the syncopated left-hand regular [i]or[/i] melodious movement with the melodic material above. Similar rhythmic interest is ground in "Forgotten Wish" in the left-hand emphasis of beat sum of two units which persists throughout.

The remind ofed fingerings may be occasionally awkward, especially for the young learner or student with small hands. Teachers should be aware of this issue and be prepared to provide suitable alternate suggestions.

greatest in quantity pieces are marked at moderate or moderate tempos. Though seemingly devoid of flashy selections, the collection reciprocally attempts to develop the lyric abilities of the pianist. These short pieces may be greatest in quantity suitable for the middle-intermediate student--level 5-7 according to Jane Magrath's leveling in The Pianist's Guide to Standard Teaching and Performance Literature--for the refinement of touch and inflection. Young pianists are certain to carousal in the lush harmonies and rich chromaticism fix within these tiny gems.

Griebling, a native of Akron, Ohio, has begun to accumulate an impressive list of compositions to his credit including choral, chamber and solo works, in addition to a harmony His works have been performed by dint of symphonies in Akron, Springfield and Cleveland, Ohio, as well as the Warsaw Philharmonic. Reviewed by the agency of Christopher Fisher, Norman, Oklahoma.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2003 Gale Group