Gershwin Miniatures 1919-1934.

Gershwin Miniatures 1919-1934, edited by Alicia Zizzo. Warner Bros. Publications (15800 N. W. 48th Ave., Miami, FL 33014), 2004. 31 pp. $9.95. Early advanced.

In the preface to this new publication from Warner Bros., editor Alicia Zizzo states these six Gershwin selections are a "... synopsis of some of his major piano solo and other works. They are edited, abridged, and slightly simplified and represent a fraction of their original length. As a result, these little pieces are less demanding technically, with chords rarely exceeding an octave.... This collection invites pianists to enjoy an easy stroll through George Gershwin's evolution as a serious composer."

The six compositions are a wonderful addition to the early-advanced pianist's repertoire and a welcome reprieve to the piano teacher who needs a break from the 658th lesson this week on Gershwin's Preludes! These arrangements are sufficiently more difficult than the Preludes, to merit study, but they offer marvelous new insights into Gershwin's compositional style beyond the Preludes.

The first piece, "Themes from Lullaby," is a lovely and gentle opportunity for the pianist to incorporate careful pedaling, to elide the right-hand chords along their syncopated journey, all on top of a swaying left-hand arpeggio.

The second piece, "Themes from Blue Monday," allows one to hear music from Gershwin's first opera. There are grace notes and syncopations aplenty, with swing rhythms supplying the underlying pulse. Listening to Zizzo's recording, as well as a recording of the opera itself, would be invaluable in realizing the subtlety of the swing rhythms.

The remaining four pieces are more well-known: from "Themes from Rhapsody in Blue" to "Themes from Concerto in F" and "Themes from An American in Paris" to "Themes from I Got Rhythm Variations." These excellent arrangements can serve as either a student's introduction to the orchestral versions, or as a preparation for students who might want to tackle "Rhapsody" or the "Concerto" someday.

I applaud Zizzo's efforts to bring Gershwin's ideas to a broader segment of the piano-playing public, and I encourage the public to study and learn these uniquely American sounds. Reviewed by Tony Caramia, Rochester, New York.