SKU: HL.48182061

UPC: 888680850685. 9.0x12.0x0.237 inches.

“Olivier Messiaen (1908-1992) is known for his unique composition style. Incorporating complex rhythms, harmony, melodies and his passion for ornithology, his Catalogue of Birds for Piano is no exception to the composer's popular, distinctive style. Messiaen became fascinated by birdsong from an early age, however, it wasn't until the 1950s that he took his passion to a new level, incorporating birdsong in to all of his compositions. Catalogue of Birds, composed in 1958, comprises thirteen movements, each depicting a specific bird. The first volume contains the first three movements; 1) The Alpine Chough, 2) The Oriole, and 3) The Blue Merle. Catalogue of Birds is essential to all advanced pianists seeking to expand and vary their repertoire.”.

SKU: HL.14028008

ISBN 9788759852521. English.

The Dante-Sonata was composed in 1970, inspired by two quotations from Dante's La Divina Comedia, Inferno, each in its turn forming the program of the two movements. Movement 1: Wandering through Inferno Dante sees all those who during their life on earth were ill-tempered and discontented, and who are now doomed for all eternity to stand in mud up to their necks, fighting each other, tearing and scratching each other's flesh. Movement 2: Here the doomed wretches recollect life on earth - the blessed sun and the green meadows; but it is too late to repent. Apart from having this connection with La Divina Comedia the title: Dante-Sonata has a dialectical and music-historical reference, a reference to Franz Liszt's Dante Sonata, without quoting from it in any way. An elusive air of the music of bygone days can be percieved in the second movement, which with its many types of graces is reminiscent of a slow movement of a Baroque dance. Dante-Sonata is dedicated to Elisabeth Klein.

SKU: AP.107080

UPC: 038081391496. English.

This Value Pack includes Rachmaninoff's Fantaisie-tableaux (Suite No. 1), Op. 5 and Suite No. 2, Op. 17.

Fantaisie-tableaux (Suite No. 1), the large four-movement work, was written in 1893 and premiered by Rachmaninoff and Pavel Pabst in Moscow. It is dedicated to Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. A few lines of poetry by Romantic poets preface each movement. The theme of love in the first two movements is brought to life by the two pianos with colorful, passionate writing. The final two movements feature the sound of bells---the third movement inspired by cathedrals bells that Rachmaninoff heard as a youngster, and the fourth movement capturing the jubilant sound of Easter carillon.

Suite No. 2, Op. 17 was written between 1900 and 1901, and was premiered in 1901 by Rachmaninoff and Alexander Siloti. This virtuosic suite is orchestral in nature and contains four movements. The first movement serves as a march-like introduction, and the second and fourth movements are dances---a waltz and tarantella. Between the two dances is a slow third movement. Two copies required for performance.

About Alfred Value Packs

Alfred Value Packs are a great way to introduce yourself to new music from many of the top names in educational piano. These specially designed sets allow teachers to review the music to determine the best use for their students. Limit one per customer.