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Gould, Morton : Pavanne (Second Movement from Symphonette No. 2)

Work Overview

Music ID : 85593
Publication Year:1944
First Publisher:Belwin-Mills
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble 
Genre:pavane
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Original/Related Work: Gould, MortonPavanne (from American Symphonette No. 2)

Commentary (1)

Author : Nishihara, Masaki

Last Updated: July 18, 2023
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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 the second movement of Morton Gould's orchestral work "American Symphonette No. 2," arranged by the composer himself for piano duo. Separate versions were created for piano four-hands and two pianos. A piano solo version also exists. The original piece is the middle movement of a light classical suite (three movements in total) incorporating elements of jazz and pop. It modernizes the archaic image of a pavane by employing blue notes, swing, and seventh chords. With its elegant flow and appropriate wit, it has enjoyed long-standing popularity since its release. It is said that it was always played during the commercial breaks of "Shabondama Holiday" in post-war Japan, meaning tens of thousands of Japanese people heard this piece via television every week. Due to arrangements tailored to the characteristics of piano four-hands and two pianos respectively, there are significant differences in the writing of both versions. Although a product of a period when Gould increased his focus on conducting and composing, his six years of performance experience as a piano duo with Bert Shefter are well utilized. Both versions are approximately Czerny 30 difficulty level. The two-piano version, in particular, is arranged to be easy to play. Allegretto, 4/4 time, F major. It begins with a simple, bouncy bass line supporting a smooth melody, developing with lightness.

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