Piano Village by Elena Kats-Chernin, 104 Pages, Piano Solo, Bote & Bock

Elena Kats-Chernin has been writing piano music since she was a little girl. In Piano Village, a mixed collection of pieces of up to five minutes, there are works from intermediate level to advanced and ranging in mood, theme and texture with the warmth, energy and vivacity that her fans will have come to expect.

Some titles like Autumn, Blue Tears and Zerno are more reflective, Russian Toccata and Dance of the Paper Umbrellas verge on the virtuosic, then there are works like Black Tie, Slicked Back Tango and Cocktail Rag which are best described as party pieces. The collection also includes Eliza Aria and Russian Rag, two of Elenas greatest hits.

In compiling this book,editor Tamara-Anna Cislowska has paid close attention to the interpretations of the composer herself, and has tried to give a detailed guide to dynamics, phrasing and articulation. Tempos are suggestions only and often include a broad range to cater for taste and ability.

As with all Kats-Chernins music, these piano pieces are marked with her distinct sense of rhythm and harmony, originality and fun. All are suitable for public performance and will repay careful study and practice. The book contains twenty-five different works guaranteed to entertain, disarm and amuse.