Pour Deux Pianos-At the time Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947) tackled music for two pianos Belle Époque salons were already vying for this gifted 17-year-old who had made himself known by publishing a song whose success was going to be crowned by a place in posterity: Si mes vers avaient des ailes. Dated 1891 the Scherzo lent surprises with its very title a veritable oxymoron since the scherzo is normally distinguished by its rapidity. From it the composer kept only the three-beat rhythmic pattern and the tripartite structure (ABA) with B serving as a trio. Previously unpublished this expressive dance with its moderate tempo had its world premiere recordingby Leslie Howard (with Mattia Ometto) who prefaced the present publication. Built on an improvised theme while dusk was wrestling with night the Caprice mélancolique of 1897 takes the form of a waltz-fantasy in quadruple time its originality being heightened by the contrasting central part. The moving triptych Pour bercer un convalescent dedicated in 1915 by Private Reynaldo to 'Henri Bardac sergeant in the 306 th infantry seriously wounded at the battle of the Aisne' combines modesty and melancholy with infinite delicacy: its healing powers are of all times.

The Parade of the Tin Soldiers is a jolly march composed originally for Piano and recorded many times over the decades. Each Christmas season at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan the Rockettes perform a traditional danceroutine to the tune. Of particular charm is the moment near the end when the soldiers fall down in a long chromatic scale.Composer arranger conductor bandleader Kapellmeister Leon Jessel was active in his native Germany fromthe late 1800?s until the rise of Nazism ended his career in the 1920?s. Before that he had worked extensively as a musician and created Germany?s most beloved operetta Schwarzwaldmädel (Black Forest Girl) and others almost aspopular.

George Gershwin's Three Preludes are arranged for piano duet (1 piano 4 hands) by the master arranger Eugénie Rocherolle making them fully accessible for intermediate-level pianists. The distinct combination of classical and jazz elements makes the preludes an essential part of any pianist's repertoire and now students of all ages can enjoy the full flavor of the pieces without the virtuoso technique usually required. This book-only collection is destined to become a staple of the piano duet repertoire for years to come!