Ralph Shapey

Seven Little Pieces

One of the foremost American contemporary composers working today is Ralph Shapey. This work; written in 1951; is an excellent addition to the pedagogical repertoire; as well as an excellent reciatal work in the vein of the Schonberg ' Sechs Kleme Klavierstucke.' Each of the pieces is designed for the student pianist; providing him with certain pianistic problems such as repetitive finger staccato; legato without pedal; etc.; which are clearly enumerated before each piece. The musical language is very tightly organized in the unique post-serialist idiom of the composers. For studios; schools; colleges; professional. Medium.