The Christopher Norton Latin Preludes Collection (w/CD).

[website] The Christopher Norton Latin Preludes Collection (w/CD), by Christopher Norton. Boosey & Hawkes Music Publishers Ltd./Hal Leonard Corp., (7777 W. Bluemound Rd., P.O. Box 13819, Milwaukee, WI 53213), 2005. 46 pp.

Four years ago, I wanted an early-advanced piece for a high school sophomore; a piece with a sophisticated jazz sound, rich interpretive options, rhythmic challenges and maybe even an optional play-along CD--The Christopher Norton Latin Preludes Collection would have been perfect. Composer Christopher Norton has combined his Latin Preludes and Latin Preludes II, both published in 1990, into this 14-piece collection and added a play-along CD. Drawing on Latin American harmonies, rhythms and popular music, Norton creates 2-4 page light jazz sambas, beguines, bossa novas, rumbas and a mambo.

The preludes range from late-intermediate to advanced. He includes straightforward ballades with only an occasional triplet, as well as relentless ostinati (a la "Linus and Lucy"), shifting Latin rhythms, hemiolic passages and some more challenging keys (b-flat minor, D-flat major). In particular, I was drawn to "Samba II" (great melody, interesting texture changes, fast rhythmic appeal); "Beguine" (an improvisational adventure, accelerandi and quarter note triplets); "Mambo" (an easier fast piece with a catchy hook); and "Samba III" (the collection's finale, worthy of its placement.)

The CD, perhaps the primary motivation for this republication, has two tracks for each prelude: a play-along background track and a full performance of the prelude with ensemble, if I were to introduce and sell one of these pieces to a student, 1 would choose to play a knockout version myself rather than play the CD. The recording uses a synthesized piano sound that does not do justice, or rather does nothing, with the rich dynamics, articulation and pianistic phrasing indicated in the score. The play-along option, however, is very rewarding.

Myriad uses spring to mind: I would use these preludes as one- to two-week pieces for students who are a bit past this level in repertoire, to challenge and hone their sightreading, rhythmic prowess, voicing and interpretive choices. The collection is welcome supplementary and recital repertoire for advanced adult students and teens. ... Latin Preludes diversifies my sigbtreading-lending library, and provides new gig material for parties and receptions. Reviewed by Nicole Martens, Lubbock, Texas.

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