Hudson Festival Overture for Two Pianos.

by Robert Baksa. Composers Library Editions/T. Presser (588 N. Gulph Rd., King of Prussia, PA 19406), 2001. 16pp., $7.50. Late intermediate.

If you are looking for a new and interesting addition to your two-piano selections for you or your students, read on. This piece is full of fun. It begins with a cadenza-like passage that moves in ascending and descending fourth intervals. This is intermingled with chords that together present a fanfare feel. The piece continues with a melody and accompaniment, quickly followed by a section best defined by a single motive that occurs frequently and contrasted in the other piano part by a bell-like theme. Together, these smaller sections comprise a larger A section. This transitions to a B section that is very lyrical and thinner in texture. The first section then returns, slightly varied, and is followed by an exuberant coda. The piece has imitation throughout, and the two piano parts are evenly dispersed thematically and in difficulty level.

I have a hard time viewing a piece for the sheer value of the music, and often I have ulterior "teacher" motives; thus, is the case. But this piece almost begs for it. It's not too long (Actually, it's very short--only three minutes if taken up to tempo.) or too hard, yet it has a sophisticated sound and lots of musical goodies. And if you have some late-intermediate to advanced students who tiptoe around contemporary music, ...