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Gillock, William : Album for chirdren Valse Etude

Work Overview

Music ID : 45160
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection

Commentary (2)

Author : Sugiura, Nanako

Last Updated: May 13, 2025
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

This is a brilliant concert etude. It demands the performer's musical concentration and technique, including intricate right-hand passages, changes in left-hand rhythm, and inner voice movements, but by mastering these, one can surrender to the flow and groove of the music and enjoy the piece.

The section that develops from the delicate opening motif, rapidly ascending in measure 4, evokes Chopin's "Minute Waltz" and provides exhilarating momentum. By playing through with a crescendo but without rushing, a refreshing impression can be created. From measure 9, the accented notes in the right hand align with the left-hand rhythm. Syncopation creates rhythmic displacement, making the music even more vibrant. This section reveals Gillock's unique sensibility, given his fondness for jazz, and incorporating a touch of playfulness into the performance will make it sound captivating. While valuing the sense of tempo, be sure to fully feel the rhythmic "groove" as you play.

The middle section shifts to E-flat major, and as indicated by "Meno mosso molto lyrico," the atmosphere changes dramatically. The melody should be sung generously and carefully, as if taking a deep breath. In passages where both hands move closely together, it is effective to play softly while listening to the sonorities, as if harmonizing. Creative use of the pedal is also required; avoid muddiness, but maintain the connection between notes.

Throughout the piece, the elegance of the waltz, the rhythmic sensibility of jazz, and the sharp technical demands of an etude coexist in a balanced manner. While carefully grasping each element during practice, it is ultimately important to enjoy the music itself during performance.

Writer: Sugiura, Nanako

Author : Imazeki, Shiori

Last Updated: March 1, 2021
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Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

In 3/4 time, G major. It is in ternary form. The annotation states: "In the Romantic style / Dallas Music Teachers' Association." The left-hand accompaniment pattern, consisting of a bass note followed by two chords, establishes the three-beat waltz rhythm. The right hand, similar to Chopin's "Minute Waltz," revolves around the tonic G in the opening three measures, after which it is necessary to clearly differentiate between melodic notes (those marked with accents) and ornamental notes. In the middle section, a long-breathed melody is played with a sparkling, high-pitched timbre.

Writer: Imazeki, Shiori

Reference Videos & Audition Selections(1items)

村上 詩織(入選)

Sheet Music

Scores List (4)