SKU: BR.EB-8118

ISBN 9790004175019. 9 x 12 inches.

Richard Wagner (1813-1883) is rightly considered as the 19th-century music dramatist whose formal and harmonic originality, for example in Tristan and Isolde, provided a significant impetus to the development of 20th-century music. Despite Wagner's fame, his reuvre for piano remains practically unknown. Tobe sure, these primarily early works and occasional compositions hardly even hint at the outstanding characteristics of the later works such as leit-motifs, flowing transitions or original forms. Nonetheless, whoever is acquainted with Wagner's later music dramas will undoubtedly not fail to be impressed by the individual melodic and harmonic traits of his piano works. The Sonata in B-flat Major Op. 1 is of special interest to us today since it is Wagner's first published work, composed in 1831 and printed in 1832 by Breitkopf & Hartel. At that time, Wagner was studying counterpoint with Theodor Weinlig, the choral master and music director of the Thomasschule in Leipzig. Weinlig, however, only agreed to give Wagner lessons if he promised to refrain from composing for half a year. In the course of his studies, Wagner was allowed to compose the piano sonata in B-flat Major as a kind of journeyman-work. His teacher Weinlig succeeded in having the work published by Breitkopf & Hartel. Hence the dedication of this piece to Weinlig is not surprising, since the 18-year-old Wagner would otherwise have had great difficulty finding a publisher. This Sonata in B-flat Major, which has long been out of print, is a reproduction of the first edition by Breitkopf & Hartel (plate number 10433). For this reprint, obvious typographical errors have been corrected (missing or wrong accidentals and dynamic indications). The work presents a four-movement classical sonata form and is stylistically reminiscent of Mozart and Beethoven. Shortly before composing this sonata, Wagner wrote a piano reduction of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, which was easily playable and yet gratifying to hear. This helps explain the octave-doublings typical of piano reductions. Wiesbaden, Fall 1980

Respectfully dedicated to Theodor Weinlig, the choral master and music director of the Thomasschule in Leipzig.

SKU: HL.14028648

ISBN 9781846092244. 9.0x12.0x0.175 inches.

Sallinen's Sonata For Cello And Piano Op.86 was commissioned by the Naantali Music Festival, Finland in 2004. It was first performed by Arto Noras and Rolf Gothoni at Naantali Church on 10th June 2005 as part of the festival. The piece is structured across four movements, a Barcarola, a Serenata, a Scherzo and an Epilogue.

SKU: FP.FSC05

ISBN 9790570504169.

Cyril Scott’s music is currently the subject of major revival, having lain largely ignored for much of the 20th Century. Once described as 'the father of modern British music' by Eugene Goossens, and admired by Claude Debussy, Richard Strauss, Igor Stravinsky and his lifelong friend Percy Grainger, he composed four hundred works including: four Symphonies, three Operas, two Piano Concertos, four Oratorios, Concertos for Violin, Cello, Oboe and Harpsichord, several Overtures, Tone Poems, many Chamber works and innumerable songs.

There is a story that when Bernard Shaw commented to Elgar on the (then) daring harmonies of his Second Symphony Elgar replied 'You mustn’t forget, it was Cyril Scott started all that!'.

'a pioneer of British piano music, producing more piano works in the period 1903-1914 than any other British composer and any other international one, with the exception of Scriabin... (He) was a key figure before World War I in helping Britain to break away from musical conservatism and the prevailing Germanic influences.' (Lisa Hardy, The British Piano Sonata 1870-1945).

SKU: ET.PNO102

ISBN 9790207009760.

The first movement has a dreamy and dramatic impressionistic quality, whereas the second movement is deeply melancholy and religious sounding. The third movement is playful with pulsating rhythms, which demonstrate a symphonic jazz feel.
In 1963, at the age of thirty, Lane quickly formed up a close friendship with Paul Van Ness through their involvement with the Ridgewood Orpheus Glee Club (NJ), an all-male choir for which Lane was appointed accompanist. Lane maintained the accompanist position for this group for forty-one years until his death in 2004. Lane dedicated his Sonata 2 to Van Ness as a high school graduation present in 1965. During this period Lane also composed a piano suite for four hands, and a fantasy for piano and orchestra, along with other solo instrumental, choral and orchestral works. Van Ness performed the world premiere of Piano Sonata 2 at his Senior Recital in 1969, five years after its conception, at the Eastman School of Music, Lane’s alma mater. Karl Tricomi, another student of Lane’s and also graduate of the Eastman School of Music performed this second Sonata in 1976 at Carnegie Hall (NY) as well.