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Album Notes

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I'm thrilled to share the 4th volume of my American Piano Music series—a deeply personal and wide-ranging exploration of American piano music. This collection features 20 compositions by 20 American composers, spanning nearly a century of musical creativity, from Bix Beiderbecke’s Flashes (1931) to Michael Torke’s Chancel (2023).

 

Each piece on this album tells a unique story: from the whimsical to the profound, from the roots of jazz and ragtime to contemporary classical expressions. These works celebrate the diverse voices that have shaped American piano music, offering glimpses into different eras, regions, and artistic sensibilities.

 

Whether it's Florence Price's long-overlooked Summer Moon, George Walker’s elegant Prelude, or the dynamic energy of Glenn Jenks’ Ragtime Hurricane, I’ve chosen each piece with great care—not only for its musical depth but also for its place in the broader tapestry of American artistry.

 

I invite you to listen, reflect, and discover the rich emotional and historical landscapes within these works.

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1.  Wax Paper Dance (1967) - Donald Ashwander

"Wax Paper Dance" is a delightful solo piano composition written by composer Donald Ashwander in 1967. This charming piece was created for The Paper Bag Players, a renowned non-profit theater company dedicated to providing enriching and imaginative theatrical experiences for children. Founded in 1958, The Paper Bag Players have a long history of captivating young audiences with their unique productions, and "Wax Paper Dance" serves as a musical testament to their mission.

 

The piece is a reminder of the vital role that music plays in enhancing storytelling and creating memorable experiences for young audiences. It reflects Ashwander's expertise in crafting syncopated melodies reminiscent of his ragtime compositions. The piece's spirited and playful nature invites listeners to participate in a musical dance, mirroring the enchanting and imaginative world of children's theater.

 

"Wax Paper Dance" not only serves as a testament to Donald Ashwander's musical creativity but also as a musical companion to the magical productions of The Paper Bag Players, enriching the lives of young audiences through the power of music and storytelling.

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2.  Prelude (1945) - George Walker

George Walker’s Prelude for solo piano is a compact yet emotionally expansive work that showcases the composer’s gift for marrying complexity with clarity. Written in 1945, early in Walker’s career, the piece exemplifies his deep understanding of the piano's expressive potential.

 

The Prelude opens with a pensive and introspective theme, its melodic line tinged with longing. This lyrical quality, a hallmark of Walker’s music, is enriched by subtle harmonic shifts that hint at jazz and spiritual traditions without ever fully departing from the classical idiom. The work’s form is deceptively simple, but its texture brims with intricate details—delicate inner voices, and a fluid interplay of light and shadow.

 

As the piece progresses, the mood intensifies. The middle section explores a more turbulent landscape, with more intense playing and bold harmonic contrasts. This section serves as both a dramatic counterpoint to the opening and a testament to Walker’s ability to evoke a wide emotional spectrum in a relatively brief span.

 

The Prelude concludes with a return to the introspective atmosphere of the opening, but now imbued with a sense of resolution. It’s as though the music, having wrestled with its inner turmoil, finds a quiet strength in its final chords.

 

Though modest in length, Prelude encapsulates Walker’s remarkable artistry. It reveals his ability to draw from diverse influences—classical, jazz, and African American musical traditions—while forging a voice that is uniquely his own. For pianists, it offers a rewarding challenge, blending technical demands with profound emotional depth. For listeners, it serves as an intimate portrait of a composer who could convey the vastness of the human experience in the span of a few minutes.

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3.  Bordeaux, Part XI (2016) - Keith Jarrett

Keith Jarrett’s approach to music is anything but conventional. Rather than meticulously crafting compositions on paper, he conjures his pieces spontaneously, right before a live audience. This unique method makes his work truly mesmerizing. The piece you hear me perform came from a concert Jarrett gave at L’Auditorium de Bordeaux, in Bordeaux, during a European tour in 2016. It’s a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights Jarrett’s extraordinary mastery of the piano.

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4.  Sunlight & Shadow (2012) - Tom Brier

In 2016, Tom Brier, a celebrated American ragtime composer reflected on a tradition that had shaped his musical journey since 1987. For nearly three decades, Brier had steadfastly committed himself to composing at least one ragtime waltz annually, a practice that not only honed his craft but also defined his artistic identity. Among the numerous waltzes that emerged from this prolific routine, one composition held a special place in Brier's heart: "Sunlight & Shadow."

 

Debuting on his acclaimed 2012 album "Constellations," "Sunlight & Shadow" quickly garnered attention for its unique blend of lively ragtime rhythms and an underlying emotional depth that transcends its major key structure. Despite its mostly cheerful melodic lines, the piece resonates with a poignant sadness and exquisite melancholy that weaves through its beautiful strains. This juxtaposition creates a compelling composition that touches listeners on a profound level. I hope you enjoy this wonderful ragtime waltz!

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5.  Blue-Bird (1976) - Valerie Capers

“Blue-Bird” is a movement from Valerie Caper’s fabulous piano suite titled “Portraits of Jazz,” published in 1976. Each of the twelve pieces is inspired by or dedicated to a particular jazz musician or singer.

 

"Blue-Bird" is dedicated to the legendary Charlie "Bird" Parker, and represents a chromatic blues composition spanning twelve bars. Written in the bebop style, the piece spans about two pages, showcasing extended melodic lines with nuanced rhythmic intricacies. To capture the essence of swing and movement, the performer is encouraged to boldly emphasize offbeat lines and chords in the left hand. Mastering this composition offers students a deeper insight into Charlie Parker's distinctive style, necessitating a familiarity with his work to convey his influence and navigate the rhythmic challenges he presents.

 

For the pianist, the piece poses various challenges. Achieving a quick, nimble, and clean sound in the right hand is crucial, marked by frequent off-beat accents and a light swing. Harmonies in the left hand often coincide with the off-beats, demanding a strong rhythmic sense to maintain a steady pulse without succumbing to heaviness or sluggishness.

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6.  Ragtime Blackbird (2016) - Galen Wilkes

This composition is a beautiful tribute to the red-winged blackbird. In Galen's own words: "Ragtime Blackbird is a Classic Rag, following in the tradition of “avian rags” with bird-like qualities. It is named for the Red-Winged Blackbird, a most colorful sight where I grew up, on the languid Pattagansett."

 

Wilkes is a California-based composer who’s been making waves in the ragtime scene for quite some time, though I hadn’t fully realized just how much incredible music he’d been creating until he sent me some of his compositions. His work blends the rich traditions of classic ragtime with a modern sensibility, and if you dive deeper into his catalog, you’ll find a treasure trove of wonderful works. It’s clear from Ragtime Blackbird that Wilkes has a deep love for the genre, and he’s mastered its nuances with ease.

 

Now, as a fun side note, when I first started working on this piece, I naturally started swinging the 8ths notes. I sent an audio clip to Galen to share my interpretation, and he wasted no time setting me straight—turns out, Ragtime Blackbird really needs to be played with the strict, no-swing classic ragtime style. At first, it was a challenge for me to play it that way, but in hindsight, the piece is much stronger for it. There’s a certain crispness and clarity to it when played with the original rhythm that brings out all the subtle beauty Wilkes put into the composition.

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7.  Summer Moon (1938) - Florence Price

In the quiet spaces between the notes, there lies the ethereal essence of Florence Price's "Summer Moon." Finalized in 1938, this gem of a composition remained veiled in obscurity for decades, its full brilliance only unveiled in a belated premiere in the autumn of 2019.

 

Florence Price, a groundbreaking African American composer, traversed realms of musical expression. "Summer Moon" is a prime example of her ability to encapsulate the intangible beauty of nature through sound. Though the piece remained unpublished until recently, it now stands as a luminous beacon of her creative genius.

 

The composition unfolds like a mesmerizing dream, guiding the listener through the delicate phases of a summer night. The piano becomes a vessel for the personification of the moon, capturing its elusive and ever-changing qualities. Price's masterful use of sophisticated jazz harmonies infuses the piece with an unexpected modernity, while the lush and poetic passages harken to the spirit of Debussy, invoking the atmosphere of his impressionistic landscapes.

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8.  The Valley of the Bones (1967) - Margaret Bonds

Margaret Bonds was a trailblazing African American composer, pianist, and educator, whose works masterfully fused classical traditions with the rich idioms of spirituals, jazz, and blues. Her music is a testament to her deep sense of heritage, social justice, and her unrelenting commitment to creating art that speaks to the human spirit. The Valley of the Bones, a striking piano composition, exemplifies her ability to convey profound emotional and spiritual narratives through music.

 

Inspired by the biblical vision of Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones, the piece draws on themes of desolation, resurrection, and renewal. Bonds channels this vivid imagery into a tapestry of sound, evoking both the stark barrenness of the valley and the miraculous animation of the bones as they rise to life.

 

The opening section immerses the listener in a somber landscape, with stark, skeletal melodies that suggest isolation and loss. Through haunting harmonies and sparse textures, Bonds captures the emptiness of the valley. Yet, this is no mere lamentation—the piece subtly foreshadows hope.

 

As the music progresses, rhythmic energy begins to build, culminating in a dynamic middle section where jazz-inflected syncopations and vibrant melodic lines symbolize the stirring of life. Bonds weaves the spiritual essence of African American musical traditions into the fabric of the composition, imbuing it with a uniquely American voice.

 

The climax erupts in a triumphant affirmation, echoing the words of Ezekiel: “I will put my spirit in you and you will live.” The final chords, resonant and majestic, leave the listener with a profound sense of renewal and transcendence.

 

The Valley of the Bones stands as a testament to Margaret Bonds’ genius, blending spiritual depth with technical brilliance. It is a piece that not only celebrates the resilience of the human spirit but also serves as a reminder of the transformative power of art to breathe life into desolate spaces.

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9.  Lamb Chop (2012) - Larisa Migachyov

Although ragtime piano music saw its heyday around the turn of the 20th century and largely faded from the mainstream by the 1920s, the spirit of this uniquely American genre continues to live on in the works of contemporary pianists who pay homage to its rich traditions. Among these modern-day ragtime composers, Larisa Migachyov stands out as a remarkable talent. A lawyer by profession, Larisa possesses a remarkable gift for composing ragtime music that captures the essence of the classic era. Her compositions often feature whimsical and food-related titles, such as "Lemon Slice Rag," "Chicken Fried Steak," and "Flaming Cabbage Rag," adding a playful touch to this timeless art form.

 

This track introduces one of Migachyov's most enchanting piano rags, "Lamb Chop." This composition, penned in 2012, pays a heartfelt tribute to the classic ragtime style, transporting us back to the era when syncopated melodies and lively rhythms ruled the piano parlors of America. It’s a shining example of Larisa's ability to infuse the classic ragtime form with intense lyrical beauty. It is a testament to the enduring allure of ragtime that Larisa's interpretation of the genre, even in the 21st century, can still evoke such intense emotions.

 

For those well-versed in the annals of ragtime history, "Lamb Chop" holds an additional layer of significance. Larisa Migachyov dedicated this piece to Patricia Lamb Conn, the daughter of Joseph Lamb, a classic ragtime pianist whose compositions graced the early 1900s. The title "Lamb Chop" cleverly alludes to Joseph Lamb's beautifully poetic ragtime compositions, serving as a fitting homage to a pioneer of the genre.

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10.  Etude #5 (1994) - Philip Glass

"Etude #5" by the renowned composer Philip Glass is a captivating solo piano composition that beckons listeners into a world of contemplation and introspection. This beautifully haunting etude is a testament to Glass's distinctive style, characterized by repetitive motifs and flowing, meditative lines. While Glass's music has at times garnered criticism for its repetitiveness, "Etude #5" showcases the composer's ability to create a musical meditation that is both emotionally resonant and technically challenging.

 

One of the remarkable aspects of "Etude #5" is the challenge it presents to performers. While the piece may appear deceptively simple due to its repetitive nature, the true difficulty lies in maintaining a slow and even tempo throughout. The performer is tasked with conveying the piece's emotional depth and subtlety while navigating the intricacies of its minimalistic structure.

 

Through its repetitive motifs and flowing lines, "Etude #5" invites listeners to embark on a journey of self-reflection and contemplation, making it a profound and evocative addition to the world of contemporary piano music. Glass's ability to convey deep emotion through minimalistic repetition is a testament to his unique and enduring contribution to the world of music.

11.  Flashes (1931) - Bix Beiderbecke

"Flashes" is a 1931 jazz composition for solo piano by cornetist Bix Beiderbecke. It is the third work in a series of four compositions for piano composed by Bix Beiderbecke during his career. Flashes is a solo piano piece that is highly expressive, showcasing Beiderbecke’s distinctive lyrical style. The composition reflects a mood that is both introspective and vibrant, with sections that alternate between delicate, almost impressionistic moments and more bold, emphatic passages. The piece is often described as having a somewhat “dreamy” or "floating" quality, likely due to Beiderbecke's use of syncopation and chromaticism.

 

The title Flashes itself seems to suggest sudden bursts of light or insight, a fitting metaphor for the brief but brilliant moments of musical clarity that Beiderbecke weaves throughout the piece. There are sections of the composition that seem to shimmer with rapid figuration or quick, light touches on the keyboard, giving the sense of a fleeting moment of brilliance or an emotional "flash."

 

I first heard this work back in 1987 while a student at the University of Illinois. I heard faculty member Tony Caramia play it and I immediately knew it was a very special piece of American piano music.

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12.  Streets of Laredo (1946) - Roy Harris

"Streets of Laredo" is a piano composition by Roy Harris, part of his larger work titled American Ballads, which reflects his interest in American folk themes and idioms. The piece draws inspiration from the traditional American cowboy ballad of the same name, which tells the story of a dying cowboy's reflections on life and death.

 

Harris's composition captures the essence of American folk music while incorporating his own modern classical style. The piece often features rich harmonies and rhythmic elements that evoke the landscape and spirit of the American West. Through its lyrical lines and expressive melodies, Harris aims to connect listeners with the emotional depth of the original ballad.

 

This work is notable for its blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it accessible yet artistically significant. Harris's ability to weave narrative and emotion into his music helps to convey the poignant themes of love, loss, and memory that are central to the cowboy's tale. Overall, "Streets of Laredo" stands as a testament to Harris's dedication to exploring American cultural themes through his compositions.

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13.  Golden Hours (1966) - Max Morath

Before the ragtime revival of the early 70s, Max Morath took pen to paper in 1966 to craft a timeless composition that pays elegant tribute to one of the unsung heroes of the genre—John Stark. As the publisher of Scott Joplin’s music, Stark played a pivotal role in bringing the genius of ragtime to the masses, and Morath's "Golden Hours" stands as a testament to the enduring influence of this era.

 

Morath's ingenuity shines as he introduces polyrhythms into the fabric of "Golden Hours." The composition dances between an irregular 3/8 time signature and a 2/4 time signature, creating a tapestry of sound that pays homage to the complexity and depth of ragtime. This bold exploration of rhythm adds a layer of richness, inviting listeners into a rhythmic landscape.

 

For those acquainted with this composition, I have deviated a bit from the written score. In a nod to the great Tony Caramia, a renowned jazz and classical pianist, I chose to reprise both the first and second strains in the altered key of D major, ending the piece with a quiet elegance. I hope you enjoy this tribute to the great Max Morath, who passed away in June of 2023 at the age of 96.

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14.  After the Concert (1965-70) - Samuel Barber

Samuel Barber’s “After the Concert” is an introspective solo piano work that showcases his exceptional skill in evoking deep emotional landscapes through concise musical gestures. Composed sometime between 1965 and 1970, the piece stands out as an exploration of the quieter, more reflective side of Barber’s compositional voice, characterized by a blend of lyrical beauty and subtle dissonance.

 

The piece unfolds in a series of brief but intensely expressive phrases, mimicking a Chopin Mazurka. The harmonic language is rich and complex, yet imbued with a sense of restraint that is typical of Barber’s style. A quiet, almost meditative atmosphere pervades, as the music weaves between moments of tension and release, never rushing, but allowing the listener to feel the weight of each note and its resonant silence.

 

This composition, though lesser known compared to some of Barber’s more famous works like Adagio for Strings or the Piano Concerto, deserves to be heard as an example of his nuanced approach to the piano and his ability to communicate complex emotions with simplicity and grace. Listeners are invited to immerse themselves in this quiet reflection, letting the music speak its subtle language of contemplation, introspection, and beauty.

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15.  Spiritual (1936) - William Grant Still

William Grant Still (1895-1978) emerged from the Mississippi landscape, a time when segregation cast its long shadow. But it wasn't the classroom or the street corner that introduced him to spirituals; it was the soul-stirring voice of his grandmother, weaving religious melodies into the fabric of his childhood.

 

His music? It's a crossroads where cultures meet, a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse threads of influence. It speaks to the core of human experience, capturing its beauty and complexity with each note. Enter "Spiritual," the opening chapter of Still's 1936 piano suite, "A Deserted Plantation." This isn't your standard classical fare; Still's genius lies in his ability to blend structure and spontaneity seamlessly. It's like he's conducting a conversation between tradition and innovation, inviting us to join in.

 

But there's more to this piece than meets the ear. Inspired by a poem from Paul Laurence Dunbar, it paints a portrait of Uncle Josh, an elderly Black man tending to a fading plantation, his dreams haunted by its former grandeur. Through "A Deserted Plantation," Still beckons us to confront the tangled web of our shared history, to wrestle with the ghosts of the past. Yet, amidst the echoes of bygone days, there's a beacon of hope: the enduring power of music to transcend time and space. And as the final notes drift away, we're left with a sense of wonder, reminded once again of the boundless beauty of the American landscape and the resilience of the human spirit.

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16.  Speed Limit Rag (2001) - Aaron Jay Kernis

Aaron Jay Kernis, an acclaimed Pulitzer Prize and Grammy Award-winning composer, has crafted an array of musical wonders, but "Speed Limit Rag" stands out as a unique gem in his repertoire (and written in 12/8 time!) Composed in 2001, this spirited piece marks Kernis’s sole foray into the ragtime genre. Imagine a lively intersection of British novelty charm reminiscent of Billy Mayerl and the vibrant, jazz-infused flair of George Gershwin. While Kernis wasn’t aiming to emulate these luminaries, “Speed Limit Rag” exudes a playful and exuberant energy all its own. It’s a whimsical journey through ragtime that showcases Kernis’s distinctive voice and imaginative spirit.

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17.  Barcarolle #1 (1949) - Ned Rorem

Ned Rorem is widely regarded as one of the foremost American composers of the 20th century, celebrated for his lyricism and keen sense of harmonic color. His Barcarolle No. 1, composed in 1949, is a striking example of his ability to blend the sensibilities of classical music with the expressive freedom of mid-century American composers.

 

The Barcarolle, a type of Venetian boat song typically associated with the rhythmic lilt of rowing, was a beloved genre during the 19th century, particularly in the music of composers like Offenbach and Chopin. Rorem's Barcarolle No. 1 retains the gentle, rocking motion of its predecessors but is infused with a distinctly modern sensibility.

 

The piano writing, often marked by flowing, repeated ostinatos, mimics the gentle sway of a gondola gliding through the canals of Venice. This recurring pulse provides the foundation for the long, arching lines of the melody, which is both languid and expressive, capturing the sense of longing and tranquility inherent in the barcarolle form.

 

Despite its simplicity on the surface, the Barcarolle No. 1 is full of sophisticated harmonic shifts and subtle dissonances, demonstrating Rorem's ability to manipulate tonality while still maintaining a strong sense of melody. The piece moves seamlessly between major and minor modes, often lingering in a way that evokes both melancholy and serenity.

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18.  For Felicia Montealegre (1948) - Leonard Bernstein

Leonard Bernstein’s Four Anniversaries (1948) is a set of intimate piano miniatures, each dedicated to a person of personal significance in his life. Among them, For Felicia Montealegre stands out as a poignant musical tribute to the woman who would become his wife. Written in 1948, the piece captures the tenderness, complexity, and emotional depth of their relationship—a partnership that would span decades, encompassing love, art, and shared ideals.

 

Montealegre, a Costa Rican-born actress and pianist, was a formidable presence in Bernstein’s life. She possessed a deep artistic sensibility and a quiet strength that complemented his own effusive energy. This brief but expressive work reflects those qualities, unfolding in a lyrical and introspective manner.

 

The piece begins with a delicate, searching melody, its harmonies rich yet restrained—suggesting both affection and a certain wistful longing. Bernstein’s characteristic jazz-inflected harmonies surface subtly, infusing warmth and a personal touch. As the piece unfolds, moments of hesitation and resolution alternate, mirroring the ebb and flow of an intimate conversation. The ending, understated and unresolved, leaves a lingering impression, as if the music itself is still contemplating the depth of its subject.

 

Like all of Bernstein’s Anniversaries, For Felicia Montealegre is a distilled moment in time—an impression of a relationship, a tribute to a loved one, and a glimpse into the private emotions of a man whose music was often larger than life. In this miniature, we find Bernstein at his most personal and poetic, offering a quiet yet profound musical love letter.

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19.  Chancel (2023) - Michael Torke

In 2023, American composer Michael Torke unveiled "Sessions, 3 A.M.," a suite of fifteen short solo piano pieces that evoke the architectural grandeur of churches and cathedrals (the individual pieces are named after various architectural features.) Through meticulous order and symmetry, Torke invites listeners to transcend the mundane, offering glimpses of peace, warmth, and solace amidst his melodic tapestries.

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20.  Ragtime Hurricane (1984) - Glenn Jenks

"The Ragtime Hurricane" stands as the exhilarating conclusion to Glenn Jenks' captivating piano suite, "A Ragtime Trilogy." This ragtime composition is a whirlwind of musical energy, earning its name as it sweeps through the keys with relentless speed and intensity. Clocking in at a brisk 3 minutes, this final movement is a testament to Jenks' mastery of the ragtime genre.

 

According to Jenks, "This finale is in the tradition of the novelty rag, which was ragtime's last gasp in the twenties: excruciatingly difficult, exceedingly fast, and designed for maximum entertainment and shock value." True to this tradition, "The Ragtime Hurricane" is a virtuosic display, pushing the boundaries of technical skill while ensuring maximum entertainment for both the pianist and the audience.

 

Performing "The Ragtime Hurricane" is not just a musical feat but a thrilling spectacle, making it as enjoyable for the pianist as it is for those fortunate enough to witness the performance. With its dynamic pace and lively spirit, this composition captures the essence of ragtime's exuberance and showcases Glenn Jenks' talent for crafting compositions that endure as both challenges and delights.

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