Home > Gould, Morton > Boogie Woogie Etude > Boogie Woogie Etude (Modern transcription for two pianos)
Gould, Morton : Boogie Woogie Etude (Modern transcription for two pianos)
Work Overview
First Publisher:Mills Music
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:Reduction/Arrangement
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Original/Related Work: Gould, Morton 《Boogie Woogie Etude》
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: June 3, 2022
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
“Boogie Woogie Etude,” once widely popular as a punchy encore piece, is now clearly heard less frequently in the 21st century. While the flow of time cannot be stopped, it is certain to experience a rapid revival given the right opportunity in the future. This piece possesses an overwhelming intensity that makes one believe so. Gould himself arranged this popular work, which truly took the world by storm at the time of its release, for two pianos. Fast-Driving Tempo (Steely hard), 4/4 time, C major. It gives a three-dimensional quality to the original piano solo, making it even more magnificent. From his piano duo activities with Burt Shefter, Gould knew every aspect of two-piano performance inside out. In this work, he aimed not only for rich acoustic effects but also for visual effects that amusingly show the audience the two performers' torsos and limbs moving in sync. Gould was, in essence, an entertainer. He paid no attention to elitist experts or critics. It was Gould's principle to please the common people. His vigorous spirit of service remained at the core of Gould's stance even after he began leading an orchestra bearing his own name. This is why the sound Gould created was loved worldwide.