Home > Carmichael, Hoagy > Stardust > Star Dust (by Hoagy Carmichael) transcribed for piano 4 hands
Gould, Morton : Star Dust (by Hoagy Carmichael) transcribed for piano 4 hands
Work Overview
First Publisher:Mills Music
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:Reduction/Arrangement
Total Playing Time:4 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Original/Related Work: Carmichael, Hoagy 《Stardust》
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: July 12, 2022
[Open]
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
This is Morton Gould's arrangement for piano four-hands of "Stardust," a jazz standard with lyrics by Mitchell Parish and music by Hoagy Carmichael. Carmichael was a rare melody maker, known for numerous other famous numbers besides this work, including "Georgia on My Mind," "Heart and Soul," and "Skylark." "Stardust" was widely beloved by the general public in Showa-era Japan, covered by national singers and played weekly as the ending theme of popular television entertainment programs. Gould was active during the same era as Carmichael, possessing not only a classical background but also a strong familiarity with jazz and pop music, and was well-versed in piano duos. When it comes to arranging such pieces, Gould is unparalleled. It is marked Slowly, in 4/4 time, and E-flat major. The arrangement is tastefully done with a simple notation that preserves the unadorned charm of the original piece, creating a sophisticated atmosphere characteristic of a jazz ballad. From the middle section, it transitions into a relaxed jazz waltz, developing in a danceable manner; however, if there are technical difficulties, this part may be optionally omitted. This is a special, stylish four-hand piece that adults are highly encouraged to play.