Children's Series Albums & Arabesques.(Book review)

Children's Series Albums & Arabesques, by Alexandre Gretchaninov. Hal Leonard Corporation (www. musicdispatch, com; (800) 637-2852), 2006. 47pp. $14.95.

Alexandre Gretchaninov was one of the great writers of "enfantine" or children's pieces that capture the spirit and magic of childhood in a musically sophisticated manner that appeals to children and adults alike. This publication makes available several collections of one- and two-page miniatures that are "off the beaten path," pieces that have not been readily available heretofore, but that have great value as teaching pieces. They are charming, imaginative and delightful gems that will help train the interpretive skills of early-intermediate level pianists. I see them as "etudes for the imagination."

The Albums and Arabesques are character pieces in the romantic tradition, not as captivating or significant perhaps as Scenes from Childhood or Album for the Young, but useful and accessible nonetheless. Gretchaninov was a piano teacher for many years; hence his propensity for writing music that lies well under the fingers and employs sound pedagogic technique. This allows the student and teacher to quickly move toward artistic and interpretive considerations. The ...