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The following review is by J. E. Ormerod: "Suite of Six Pipers" is Peter Thompson's third composition for the recorder. This set of six inventive and colourful pieces for descant / tenor recorder and piano were written for Kathryn Bennetts and her pupils. The movements are progressive and range in difficulty from Grade 1 to Grade 3. The first movement, "Piper in the Belfry", is reminiscent of a carrilon with the piano having a fine peal of bells in the last four bars. "Sad Piper" is marked "grave" and has a simple melody requiring good breath control, which contrasts well against the rich harmonies of the piano. The "Pensive Piper", which comes next, has more movement and some interesting interplay between the recorder and the piano and gives "food for thought". The following movement is the humorous "Stepping Out Piper". Here the recorder is given the opportunity to practise double tonguing, as it repeats its jaunty melody in semi-quavers, whilst the piano indulges in broken chords and semiquaver runs. The "Ferryman Piper" has a singing melody for the recorder against a wash of semi-quavers from the piano. Finally, "Morning Piper", which is marked "Allegro giochevole", is the most taxing for the recorder player and is a sprightly piece with catchy rhythms and hints of spirituals, set against an exciting piano part. Although this music was written for
Grade 1 to 3 standard of player, they are not just technical exercises, but
musical compositions with a partnership between the recorder and the piano
parts. I feel that inexperienced recorder players might find some difficulties
in understanding the music and fitting it with the piano. However, I think that
more advanced players should not overlook these pieces as they will find much in
them to interest and stimulate. |