Hayes, Morgan: Strides. Book 2
£6.50
5 minutes
1st complete perf: Catherine Gordeladze, The Gasteig, Munich (Winners & Masters Series), 21 April 2007
Ideal for confident young pianists keen to explore cutting-edge new music, the second book of Strides by Morgan Hayes adds five more distinctively original miniatures to the three ‘fugitive visions’ already published in Strides Book 1.
Propulsive rhythm and melody mark out turbid expressive territory in the first two pieces, while the third Stride explores ‘glacial’ octaves, and the fourth and fifth add new fantasy to a Bach sarabande and a chaconne.
Specific technical challenges in each piece test the reflex and stamina of players of Grade 6 standard and above, who will also enjoy the impressive virtuoso impact Strides deliver in performance.
… five short and pithy pieces to add to the three already published in Book 1. These are fascinating: so concise and well crafted, abrasive but still attractive, rhythmically challenging but intensely lyrical.
John York, Piano, March/April 2009
