This second edition of
Verbs: 24 Preludes for Piano Left Hand includes all 24 preludes (one for each key) in one book for the first time. (That is, it includes
Verbs Book 1 and
Verbs Book 2.)
Verbs was composed for and premiered by Steinway Artist
Keith Porter-Snell. Each prelude is titled by a verb and is an evocation of the energy of that verb.
The pieces are very late intermediate through advanced levels.
"These preludes hark back to earlier antecedents by Debussy, Rachmaninov, Chopin and J S Bach in their variety and appeal, creating an album rich in contrasts. Ryan’s composing style is eclectic, referencing jazz, contemporary classical, traditional classical, and American folk songs and hymns: Play, for example, is a vibrant anthem, redolent of sacred harp singing, while other Preludes are more contemplative, tender and wistful (Forgive, Bloom). Push is energetic and rumbling, suggesting bustling city life, Bounce scampers playfully around the keyboard with jazzy syncopations and colourful harmonies, and Tangle is redolent of some of Prokofiev’s more introspective ‘Visions Fugitives’. The album closes with the meditative Bless." Frances Wilson,
The Cross-Eyed Pianist
For the CD of concert pianist Keith Porter-Snell performing
Verbs, see:
Verbs (Audio CD)
For the downloadable ebook of this music, see:
Verbs (Downloadable Ebook)