The Three Pieces for Piano may not have been conceived as a unit but they compliment each other well. The "Prelude", written in 1919, has the dark, inexorable tred that is so well known to lovers of Honegger's music. The short piece builds to a climax that is far more impressive than is usually found in works marked "Prelude." It features many deep, bell-like effects, such as those made by tolling bells.

The "Hommage a Ravel" was written in 1915. It is one of Honegger's more delicate statements and has many of the refined qualities that are typical of Ravel.

The final "Danse" was also written in 1919. A rhythmic ostinato drives the music forward, interspersed with sudden whole tone chords.

The Three Pieces are interesting in contrasting where Honegger had come from musically, and where he was going.

© Eric Goldberg, Rovi