Tribute to the Masters: Six Original Pieces Inspired by Timeless Composers.

Tribute to the Masters: Six Original Pieces Inspired by Timeless Composers, by Alexander Peskanov, published by The Willis Music Company (P.O. Box 548, Florence, KY 41022), 2006. 23 pp. $6.95. Intermediate to Late Intermediate.

Alexander Peskanov writes beautifully in a wide variety of styles and moods; the pieces range from lyrical to upbeat to dynamic and impassioned. Each piece is full of interesting musical ideas and harmonies.

Peskanov has composed each piece in the style of a well-known composer; the collection includes tributes to Beethoven, Bernstein, Bach, Gluck, Mozart and Liszt. In many cases, the pieces he chose as models are familiar, and the teacher may be able to identify the original. Peskanov does provide clues as to their origins in the titles (Bagatelle, Invention, Sonnet and so on). However for many students, it would have been useful to provide a list of the original pieces or a short essay on compositional techniques used by each composer.

The first piece, "Invention" is a true invention, with the motive passed back and forth between the hands. The last piece, "Sonnet 140 of Petrarch" is fairly lengthy and complex. The range might better be described as intermediate to early advanced, rather than intermediate to late intermediate.

Tribute to the Masters is clearly edited and easily readable. Peskanov provides a lot of fingerings in the earlier selections; as the pieces advance, the fingering becomes sparser. Pedaling is clearly marked throughout the collection. In most cases, the fingering suggestions work well, as do the suggested pedalings. They seem carefully thought out and presented.

This collection would be fascinating for a student who had exposure to the original composers and wanted to play music in a similar style. The beautiful melodies, interesting harmonies and very wide range of styles exemplified in this collection might entice the reluctant student into studying some of the original classical repertoire. This collection is an example of tasteful tributes that are well written and that stand on their own as excellent repertoire choices.

Reviewed by Meg Gray, Columbia, Missouri