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Composer Craig Phillips
Released 8/19
Use Instrumental
Difficulty Moderately diff.
Catalog no. 160-664
Price $12 (U.S.)
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Description
This lovely concert intermezzo by Craig Phillips was written for James F. Mellichamp, in celebration of 50 years as a concert organist. A gently-moving, bucolic atmosphere pervades the work, which provides particular opportunity to show off an organ’s beautiful, quieter color stops. Short, largely quiet (but not dull!) recital selections are a category often lacking, and this piece provides a welcome addition to that genre.
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Review
"The word impromptu implies something spontaneous or in a free form. Appropriately, the mood of this composition is a bit enigmatic, and the form is diffuse, changing texture and meter frequently. The performance directions are 'Moderato, with an air of mystery.' Despite the slightly unsettled character, the musical construction is tight. The primary melody is built out of a descending step followed by a descending third; two longer, cantabile melodies also start with these intervals, unifying the thematic material. Rocking chords and a bell effect act as signposts between sections of the piece. The work might perhaps depict a walk in the countryside, given the pastoral character of the main melody in 6/8 time and the different, yet related, melodies and textures encountered along the way. The Impromptu also gives the organist the opportunity to showcase a variety of mezzo-forte registrations, enhanced by the fact that the melody line appears in different registers at various times. The work requires facility with manual and registration changes and a secure pedal technique but is not overly difficult." AAM Journal, July/August 2024
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