Gershwin, George : Preludes

SKU: MB.31076M

ISBN 9781513477695. 8.75x11.75 inches.

Following the model established by Bach and Chopin, George Gershwin (1898 â?? 1937) originally planned to write 24 modern preludes for piano, one in each major and relative minor key. The collection was to be called The Melting Pot as it combined cross-cultural elements of classical, popular, jazz, and blues styles. Already established as a composer of popular songs, Broadway musicals, and masterpieces like Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F, Gershwinâ??s frenetic musical activities and an early death intervened, and for various reasonsâ??only three of the completed 5-7 preludes were published in 1927. By omission and circumstance, these three compositions have endured the test of time as Gershwinâ??s Three Preludes.
 
This book presents idiomatic flute/guitar arrangements of Gershwinâ??s iconic Three Preludes. The original keys of the preludes were altered to accommodate drop-D guitar tuning and highlight the strengths and tessituras of the two instruments. The music is written in standard notation only and presented in guitar and flute scores, guitar accompaniment with extensive suggested fingering, and a pull-out flute solo part with guitar cues. Includes access to an outstanding online audio recording by The Cypress Duo, featuring flutist Amanda Hoke and author/guitarist Justin Hoke.
 
Audiences are going to love hearing these preludes rendered by the flute and guitar, particularly â??Prelude IIâ?, in Gershwinâ??s words, â??a sort of blues lullabyâ? that is familiar to many musicians and listeners alike.