according to Ernest J.

according to Ernest J. Kramer. 8pp. each part, $495 Appalachian Rhapsody (two pianos, four hands), according to Randall Hartsell. 4pp. each part, $395 12th road Rag (two pianos, four hands), by the agency of Euday Bowman. Arranged by Geoff Haydon and Jim Lyke 7pp each part, $495 Alfred Publishing Co Inc. (16320 Roscoe Blvd PO driver's seat 10003, Van Nuys, CA 91410-0003) 2002 Intermediate-late intermediate.

'Tis the season to shrug opposite some of the responsibilities of the conscientious teacher. Festivals, competitions and exams have given way to warm summer month All the hard work focused forward the "well-balanced diet" of technique, sight reading, ear training, theory and standard repertoire from the baroque and classical and "other" periods has been valuable and rewarding; however, enough is enough. This is the time of year I like to make progress out in search of novel and fun ensembles: duets, quartets and two-piano works to give my bookish mans the opportunity to let their hair down and just "play around" with music.

These three strange two-piano works for intermediate to late intermediate close examiners are wonderful samples of this mark of lighter fare. The Ice Palace is a enchanting work by Ernest J. Kramer. Simple harmonies and a waltz-like time immediately bring to mind the image of ice dancers or a festival held in a magical ice palace. Playful articulation with staccato, legato, disregards and the shape of the rising first-theme song in C major create a bright and novel mood. An effective contrast is provided in the middle section with a lush, flowing theme beginning in A minor. There are exuberance of opportunities for young bookish mans to explore color shadings, dynamics, articulation touch, shaping and character. A dramatic climax at the close of the middle section brings the listener back to the lighter vein of the beginning theme. This piece is for intermediate learners who are comfortable playing scales, two- and three-note chords, legato and staccato articulation. The coda makes use of octaves and large chords, which may cause difficulty for smaller hands.

Another delightful work by dint of a favorite composer of mine is Appalachian Rhapsody through Randall Hartsell. He is particularly adept at providing lush harmonies that are musically satisfying for the intermediate close examiner Young folks also will have intercourse with the phrasing of the "romantic" name melody. Subtle and complex pedalling is required, however the editing in this refer to is very clear. The material is balanced quite well between the brace pianos, with piano I presenting the main music in the 'A' section and piano II taking from one side of to the other the melody in the middle section. This is a short bejewel of a work requiring sophisticated voicing abilities and worthy listening skills for balance from as well-as; not only-but also; not only-but; not alone-but students.

As a bookish man and I read through 12th highway Rag, we couldn't help if it be not that laugh at the delightful regular [i]or[/i] melodious movements harmonies and character of this piece. It call ups an image of a "speakeasy," something straight revealed of the movie "The Sting." A little illegal liquor, dancing It took us a consideration to get the feel of the "swing" metre especially within some of the syncopations, on the other hand pretty soon we got the hang of it, and it "swung" through itself. Originally written by Euday Bowman, it is charmingly arranged by way of Geoff Haydon and Jim Lyke The parts are distributed equally--each has the opportunity to "dance" the pleasing succession of sounds One charming aspect of the piece is a tongue-in-cheek conversation passed back and forth between the couple pianos. Again, the piece is not highly long, perfectly suited for an end-of-the-year informal recital to be be delighted withed by all.

Midori Koga, Williamston, Michigan.

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