W. Dean Sutcliffe investigates one of the greatest yet least understood repertories of Western keyboard music: the 555 keyboard sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti. Scarlatti occupies a position of solitary splendour in musical history. The sources of his style are often obscure and his immediate influence is difficult to discern. Further, the lack of hard documentary evidence has hindered musicological activity. Dr Sutcliffe offers not just a thorough reconsideration of the historical factors that have contributed to Scarlatti's position, but also sustained engagement with the music, offering both individual readings and broader commentary of an unprecedented kind. A principal task of this book is to remove the composer from his critical ghetto (however honourable) and redefine his image. In so doing it will reflect on the historiographical difficulties involved in understanding eighteenth-century musical style.

New synths with unique features and layers of complexity are released frequently, with hundreds of different synths currently available in the marketplace. How do you know which ones to use and how do you get the most out of the ones you already own? The Musical Art of Synthesis　presents synthesizer programming　with a　specific focus on synthesis as a musical tool.　Through its innovative design, this title offers an applied approach by providing a breakdown of synthesis methods by type, the inclusion of step-by-step patch recipes, and extensive web-based media content including tutorials, demonstrations, and additional background information. Sam McGuire and Nathan van der Rest guide you to master synthesis and transcend the technical aspects as a musician and artist.

　

Synths are presented using a multi-tiered system beginning with basic instructions for all common synth techniques. Historical information is included for each type of synth, which is designed to help you understand how each instrument relates to the bigger picture. Advanced level instruction focuses on modern implementations and on mobile devices, with special focus on performing and practical usage.　The goal The Musical Art of Synthesis is to bring all of the different types of together in the same discussion and encourage you to see the similarities and differences that force you to gain a better overall understanding of the synthesis process.

Key features of this title:

•　This book will teach you how to put synthesizers to use with easy-to-use synth patch recipes

•　Using a unique, multi-tiered approach applicable to the level of equipment in use, this publication introduces concepts that apply to a wide range of hardware/software synthesizers.

•　A robust companion website, featuring video demonstrations by synthesizer experts, further supports the book: www.focalpress.com/cw/mcguire

Table of Contents

Introduction

Subtractive Synthesis

Sampling and Sample Based Synthesis

Modulation Synthesis

Additive Synthesis

Wavetable Synthesis

Granular Synthesis

Vector Synthesis

Combination Synthesis and Modelling

Performing Live

Glossary

Appendices

The name of Ruckers is as important to early keyboard instruments as Stradivarius is to strings. This book describes in close detail the art and technique of the Ruckers family, who produced harpsichords and virginals throughout a period of over 100 years. Dr O'Brien provides detailed information about the construction and decoration of Ruckers harpsichords and virginals, as well as the numbering, pitch, stringing, and the determination of the original state of their instruments. Like Stradivarius violins, Ruckers instruments were later altered, and the nature and musical significance of these alterations are discussed, as is the influence of the Ruckers style on later building practice. The instruments in their original and altered states are considered in relation to the music of the time and to contemporary performance practice. The text is richly illustrated with diagrams and pictures of original instruments, and with plan-view photographs reproduced at a scale of 1: 10. The book also contains a partially illustrated catalogue of authentic and fake instruments, followed by extensive appendices.

Robert Vandall's piano duets have been favorites of students and teachers for several years. Many have been chosen for contest and festival lists. Whether performed for studio recitals, contests, festivals, or concerts with multiple pianos on a stage, these duets appeal to performers and audiences alike. Diverse musical styles are represented in each book of this series-from beautiful melodies of lilting waltzes and lyrical ballads, to the rhythmic excitement of lively dances and ragtime. Both primo and secondo are skillfully crafted to be of equal difficulty and equal interest. Melodies are shared or passed between performers. These wonderful collections will motivate duet teams to continue making music together. Book 1 titles: Central Park Ride * Chanson * Hiking Song * On Our Way * Pirouette * Village Dance.

(Keyboard Instruction). This book presents a concise history, or "survey" of jazz piano. In 13 hands-on lessons and 4 bonus performances, Dick Hyman explores the styles, musical vocabulary, and performers who have defined and shaped this elusive American art form over the last century. Starting with the pre-ragtime music of Louis Moreau Gottschalk and ragtime of Scott Joplin, and ending with the advanced scale types of Nicholas Slonimsky and music of McCoy Tyner, Mr. Hyman discusses and demonstrates the astonishing variety of jazz piano improvisation and the people and techniques that have shaped its evolution. The included DVD, showing all 13 lessons and 4 bonus performances, is filled with closeups of Mr. Hyman's hands as he plays and discusses these techniques. This fascinating package also features a preface and autobiography of Hyman. "From the pre-ragtime genesis of Louis Moreau Gottschalk to the modal post-bop of the great McCoy Tyner, this may be the finest lesson book not only in depth of material but in ease of use ... when you combine the publishing genius of Hal Leonard with the artistic brilliance of Dick Hyman then a five star recommendation is easy " Critical Jazz

The great Wicked songs arranged as piano duets! The book also comes with a CD that features separate tracks for the Primo and Secondo parts - perfect for practice and performance! 8 selections from the hit musical, including: Dancing Through Life * Defying Gravity * For Good * I Couldn't Be Happier * I'm Not That Girl * Popular * What Is This Feeling? * The Wizard and I.

Piano Star Duets is an exciting book of 26 duets at early beginner to Grade 2 level, containing fun new compositions and arrangements in a variety of styles by leading educational composers. All pieces have been tried out - and approved! - by children. This collection will capture the imagination of young pianists everywhere as they are introduced to the joy of ensemble playing. Key features: * New compositions and arrangements from 13 leading composers * Duets in a variety of configurations - for two pupils of a similar standard, for pupil-teacher, or pupils of different standards - plus some trios * A wide range of musical styles, from traditional melodies to jazzy and pop-style pieces * Varied techniques, introduced progressively * Fun musical games and top tips for duet playing

Book 2 opens with a new My Own Song improvisation on CDEFG. Unit 1 introduces phrasing and legato touch, and also presents harmonic 2nds and 3rds with staccato touch. The following two units are dedicated to the introduction of 4ths and 5ths. Also in Unit 3, sharps are introduced in a diatonic setting starting on D, and flats are introduced as blues notes. Most pieces in the second half of Book 2 coordinate hands playing together. This book works very well for transfer students.

Mozart's piano sonatas form a richly diverse and significant part of his instrumental output, and span much of his mature composing career, thereby representing a microcosm of the composer's changing style. Part I examines the contexts in which the sonatas were composed and performed, and reviews likely sources of influence. Part II concentrates on the genesis of the sonatas and the surviving autographs, which reveal important information about Mozart's compositional process. In Part III the music is studied from the standpoint of rhetoric - a discipline featured in numerous contemporary aesthetic and theoretical textbooks on music - and proceeds through an investigation of the nature of the musical ideas, followed by a discussion of formal design and finally a consideration of the style. The resulting picture affords a cross-section of Mozart's compositional strategies.

(Willis). A dozen delightful Gillock pieces have been re-engraved in this new collection that is guaranteed to become a staple of your library Renowned piano pedagogue Lynn Freeman Olson once wrote, "The Gillock name spells magic to teachers around the world ... In each Gillock composition, no matter what the teaching purpose, music quality comes first." Includes favorites such as Valse Etude, Festive Piece, Polynesian Nocturne, and Sonatine. To see other NFMC selections, (a href="http: //www.halleonard.com/promo/promo.do?promotion=183" target="_blank")click here(/a).

This volume explores twentieth-century organ music through in-depth studies of the principal centers of composition, the most significant composers and their works, and the evolving role of the instrument and its music. The twentieth-century was a time of unprecedented change for organ music, not only in its composition and performance but also in the standards of instrument design and building. Organ music was anything but immune to the complex musical, intellectual, and socio-political climate of the time. Twentieth-Century Organ Music examines the organ's repertory from the entire period, contextualizing it against the background of important social and cultural trends. In a collection of twelve essays, experienced scholars survey the dominant geographic centers of organ music (France, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, the United States, and German-speaking countries) and investigate the composers who made important contributions to the repertory (Reger in Germany, Messiaen in France, Ligeti in Eastern and Central Europe, Howells in Great Britain). Twentieth-Century Organ Music provides a fresh vantage point from which to view one of the twentieth century's most diverse and engaging musical spheres.

A great collection of 20 hymns arranged at an easy level, including: Abide with Me * Amazing Grace * Blessed Assurance * For the Beauty of the Earth * Holy, Holy, Holy * A Mighty Fortress Is Our God * Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us * To God Be the Glory * What a Friend We Have in Jesus * and more.

Easy Keyboard Library: 100 Songs presents 100 classic tunes from a broad range of genres, arranged for electronic keyboard and published as part of the Easy Keyboard Library series. Includes classics such as It's a Long Way To Tipperary, Like A Prayer, Hello Dolly and Boulevard Of Broken Dreams.

A piece a week Piano Grade 1 is ideal to be used alongside the Improve your sight-reading! graded piano books to support and improve the reading skills so fundamental to successful sight-reading. These fun, short pieces are specifically written to be learnt one per week. By continually reading accessible new repertoire, the crucial processing of information and hand-eye coordination are established and improved, developing confident sight-reading. The ability to sight-read fluently is a vital skill, enabling students to learn new pieces more quickly and play with other musicians. The best-selling Improve your sight-reading! series, by renowned educationalist Paul Harris, is designed to develop sight-reading skills, especially in the context of graded exams.

This is a major collection of organ music for students, players, and church musicians of all levels and abilities. Compiler and editor Anne Marsden Thomas has drawn on her long experience of teaching and playing to select the most attractive, tuneful repertoire in two sets of graded anthologies, one set (3 volumes) for manuals only, the second set (3 volumes) for manuals and pedals. Within each book the pieces are grouped according to service needs into Preludes, Interludes, Processionals, and Postludes. The repertoire spans the 16th to the 21st century, with some new pieces written especially for the collection. A number of pieces throughout the collection have been selected for the ABRSM organ syllabus. The result is a wonderful collection of repertoire for all players, containing a wealth of attractive and varied pieces that will offer much practical support for church musicians and enrich and develop their playing.

Teaching Piano in Groups provides a one-stop compendium of information related to all aspects of group piano teaching. Motivated by an ever-growing interest in this instructional method and its widespread mandatory inclusion in piano pedagogy curricula, Christopher Fisher highlights the proven viability and success of group piano teaching, and arms front-line group piano instructors with the necessary tools for practical implementation of a system of instruction in their own teaching.
Contained within are: a comprehensive history of group piano teaching; accessible overviews of the most important theories and philosophies of group psychology and instruction; suggested group piano curricular competencies; practical implementation strategies; and thorough recommendations for curricular materials, instructional technologies, and equipment. Teaching Piano in Groups also addresses specific considerations for pre-college teaching scenarios, the public school group piano classroom, and college-level group piano programs for both music major and non-music majors.
Teaching Piano in Groups is accompanied by an extensive companion website, featuring a multi-format listing of resources as well as interviews with several group piano pedagogues.