Please read the review from Ms. Cobb:
http://www.elenacobb.com/blog/reviews/introducing-anna-maliszewski/
Introducing Anna Maliszewski
I will not be mistaken when saying that music which is
written in modern times will appeal to the contemporary learner
audience more than, say, a baroque style pieces. And I always note that
modern compositions will be played better too. Although, the classical
repertoire occupies a leading position in piano teacher’s lessons, many
of us are keen to explore and to give way to something that is fresh of the press.
I am very keen to introduce to you Anna Maliszewski (USA) who has
recently discovered composing as another creative musical outlet in
addition to her thriving piano studio work. Anna aims to create piano
solos that children and adults can really enjoy and I quote:
“… because playing music should be fun!”
You can find more information about Anna Maliszewski on her website: annamaliszewski.webs.com.
Earlier this year, Anna has published her new collection of piano
pieces, ten in total, for early to middle intermediate levels and they
are available to buy instantly on the www.sheetmusicplus.com and each piece priced competitively at $3.99 The website also has an audio recording for each piece, so you can hear it first.
IMAGINATIVE & CHARMING
Anna gave each tune a title and each and one of them is a character piece, with
plenty of character! ‘Imaginative and full of charm’ are the words I
would use to describe Anna’s music. I can easily see pupils enjoying
playing these pieces as they will be drawn into the world of a creative
expression.
VARIETY OF TECHNIQUE
Anna’s compositions offer a variety of techniques and studying them
will give your pupils a very good technical platform. Also, I would use
these pieces as a source for the Sight Reading for more advanced
pupils.
STACCATO
Let’s explore each of Anna’s pieces individually. If your pupil is
struggling with the staccato technique, iIntroduce him, or her to the
leaping staccato notes in the left hand from the HOP FROG POND!
BROKEN CHORDS
Crossing hands will be fun to master while studying PROGRESSION SONATA. Pupils will love it and it is actually an excellent way to encourage the exploration of the geography of the piano keyboard.
OCTAVES
A piece entitled SPIRIT has a very
clever way in learning to play the octaves. All pianists need a good
span between the first and fifth fingers in order to be able to play the
octaves. But more than often, pupils can not stretch their fingers far
enough and it can lead to a physical strain, injury, or just simply, to a
disappointment. However, playing long notes of the haunting melody in
the right hand will allow plenty of time to take care of the broken
octaves in the left.
DYNAMICS
GYPSY FAIR is
ideal for perfecting a skill of playing with dynamics. Classically
arranged phrases will be repeated almost exactly in notation but will
offer an opportunity to play them again with a different dynamic.
SING-ALONG
What boy, or girl would not get excited at the rare occasion to become a pirate in the piano lesson? And PIRATE’S SHANTY will
offer this chance! It is the only piece with the lyrics and the rhymes
sit really well with the tune while it swaps from right hand to the
left. The march like music is full of energy. While playing this piece,
pupil will learn the importance of bringing out the melody over the
accompanying notes.
WALTZ
There are two waltzes in this collection: TURKEY WALTZ and GUITAR DANCE. TURKEY DANCE is very humoresque and it is easy to imagine a turkey taking a waltzy stroll over the yard.
ROMANTIC
GUITAR DANCE is
written in a typical of the Romantic era style. I’d say that the
challenge of reading the notation and playing the piece with some
accidentals will be a very satisfying experience and it will make a good
introduction to the modulations in the music. A melody that is hidden
in the quavers (eighth notes) of the right hand will be something to aim
to bring out while playing it.
POPULAR STYLE
WANDERER will be liked by the teenagers as it contains the elements of the popular musical styles.
MODERN
My favourite piece is the SPRINGTIME CLASSICA. It
is a good example of the contemporary sound – fresh and modern. This
piece is technically demanding and will help to develop strength in the left hand technique. I would highlight this piece as a very good direction for the compositions to come.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Anna Maliszewski is a pianist, teacher, composer and mother of
twins in the Chicagoland area in the United States of America, who
strives to teach her piano students creatively to instill in every
student a sound foundation in music theory, technique, and beauty in
sound. Anna has a BA from the University of Iowa and in 2003, she was
the youngest member of the Chicago Master Singers! Anna also studied 10
years with concert pianist Barbara Enders, who even studied for some
time under Mrs. Lhevinne. Every day Anna teaches she hopes to plant more
seeds for them to grow a lasting love for music.
And in conclusion, If you are looking for something new and
exciting, and your pupils need a break from the complexities of the
examination work, get them to play Anna Maliszewski’s pieces and it will
bring a sparkle to your lessons. Beautiful melodies will be
quickly memorised as they are perfect for anyone who is learning to play
the piano today.
ELENA
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