Berceuse, pour deux pianos.
by Roman Maciejewski. PWM/Theodore Presser Company (588 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406), 2000. 10 pp., $11.95. Advanced.The Berceuse is a wonderful introduction to the piano music of Roman Maciejewski, an undeservedly little-known composer. This exquisite lullaby for two pianos enchants both performer and listener with its naive, folk-like melody, lush harmonies and hypnotic rhythm.
Maciejewski wrote: "My harmonic means are based on the natural acoustic phenomenon of the overtones. The long row of overtones provides unlimited possibilities of variations of colors, lights, shadows and darkness. I use them never losing the firm ground of the first four overtones. This procedure fixed my harmony in the solid frame of tonality and, being in accordance with physical and physiological laws, makes it possible for me to be at peace with nature and humans."
This peacefulness is perfectly conveyed in the lullaby. It begins in D-flat major and moves to F-sharp major, then alternates between the two keys three more times, with a bell-like section midway through the piece with Piano I appearing in C major with many accidentals over the D-flat key signature of Piano II, which carries the melody. Though marked pianissimo and dolce, Piano I intensifies the accompaniment of the bell effects by passing from quadruplet sixteenth to triplet sixteenth to octuplet thirty-second notes at a mezzopiano level before resuming the melody.
The chime-like melody occurs in both piano parts in alternation, emphasizing the interval of the fourth in both melody and harmony, and in the key scheme, which has been noted to move from D-flat to F-sharp (G-flat) and back. Also, descending fourths appear in the accompaniment of the melody more than once.
The editing and layout are clear, with one to three measures per system. The melody is always marked il canto when it appears. Reference letters are given approximately every eight measures. (Letter "J" is accidentally omitted.) There is no fingering.
Because of the choice of key signatures and plethora of accidentals, which only last a few measures, the piece is sufficiently difficult to merit inclusion in the advanced repertoire category despite its slow tempo with metronome marking of a quarter note at 66. The Berceuse would appeal to collegiate-level and professional pianists. The beauty compensates for the difficulties, and even a first reading is immensely rewarding. Reviewed by Ruth J. Holmes, Lubbock, Texas.
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| Author: | Holmes, Ruth J. |
|---|---|
| Publication: | American Music Teacher |
| Date: | Oct 1, 2002 |
| Words: | 393 |
| Previous Article: | Essential Keyboard Duets, vol. 2. |
| Next Article: | Hercule en Dieu. |