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Work

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

Charles Tomlinson Griffes Composer

Piano Piece in Bb, A.66   

Performances: 2
Tracks: 2
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Musicology:
  • Piano Piece in Bb, A.66
    Key: Bb
    Year: 1915
    Genre: Other Keyboard
    Pr. Instrument: Piano
Although Charles Griffes' other piano Pieces which were composed in different keys, and the Dance in A Minor that was written around the same time, are at some points mere sketches, the Piece for Piano in B flat Major seems to have been wholly completed by Griffes. This is the only one of the pieces in which Griffes has written dynamics and tempo markings in the manuscript. He has left these out of many other scores, and so it is up to the individual pianist to interpret that music as he or she sees fit.

As are many of Griffes' piano pieces, this one is short—180 measures that propel the piece from a beginning to a conclusion, taking approximately three minutes. At the end of his career, Griffes would be labeled a "miniaturist," as his last piano pieces, Three Preludes, were written in 32 measures or less. As usual, Griffes was full of variance and individualistic creativity, and this is shown also in the Piece in B flat.

Griffes starts the piece out slowly and softly, but in the key of D minor, not in B flat. When the theme A enters, Griffes changes to the key of B flat major. He begins the piece with syncopated triads and a chromatic melody line. Theme A is more animated and melodic, and dynamically louder, with arpeggios in the bass line. The piece becomes a field of arpeggios interspersed with block chords. It rises in pitch, and then suddenly falls to the bass line. Another theme begins, dance-like in quality, reminding one of Griffes' Dance in A Minor. The piece becomes faster in tempo, more energetic, and richer in harmonic character. It then begins an almost tiptoed, but forceful, dance across the keys, and ends jubilantly on a forte, block chord.

The Piece for Piano in B flat Major seems almost typical Griffes at this time of his life: The piano compositions he wrote around 1915 are mostly short, lyrical, yet sometimes written with very chromatic melodies, laced with arpeggios, and ending on loud, block chords.

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