Tansman, Alexandre : Suite Variée
Work Overview
First Publisher:Universal Edition
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:pieces
Total Playing Time:11 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: October 4, 2023
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
A suite consisting of seven short pieces. The term "variée" in the title here signifies "composed of various miscellaneous pieces" rather than "varied" or "subject to variations." Each piece is independent and bears no mutual relation. Tansman intensively composed piano pieces from the period leading up to his emigration to the United States due to World War II until his stay there. However, after his return to the Parisian music scene post-war, he shifted his creative focus to works for larger ensembles, and the volume of his piano compositions relatively decreased. This work was composed in Paris in 1953. It can be seen as a collection of small musical ideas accumulated during intervals between his conceptions for larger-scale works. Each piece is dedicated to a composer or performer with whom he had a connection. While broadly employing neoclassical techniques, it frequently uses polytonality, chromaticism, and dissonance, creating a rather austere impression sonically. On the other hand, its technical demands are kept at the level of Czerny 30 to 40, making it relatively accessible among Tansman's general (non-pedagogical) piano works. Even with a seemingly difficult musical character, Tansman's works inherently possess a positive sense of mass appeal. This work overflows with modern twists of mysticism, romanticism, and humor, without imposing discomfort on the listener. It received its broadcast premiere by the composer on November 15, 1953, on Radio Frankfurt (now Hessischer Rundfunk).