Leo Ornstein's Piano Sketch Books with Downloadable MP3s Progressive Pieces from Beginner to Intermediate

by Ornstein, Leo; Weber, Janice; Ornstein, Severo

• ISBN13: 9780486493381
• ISBN10: 0486493385
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2014-01-15
• Publisher: Dover Publications

Summary

Beginning pianists will rejoice in this collection of original, fun-to-play pieces by a noted American composer. First published between 1939 and 1945, the melodies provide an interesting and positive musical experience while building technical skills and sight reading. The songs start simply and incrementally, adding more complexity as students progress through the book.
Virtuoso pianist Janice Weber provides additional guidance, and the collection comes with a separate MP3 download for each of the eighty-three pieces. Selections include "My Little Boat is Sailing," "Long Live the King," "Let’s Go Skating," "The Lonely Cowboy," "The Viking Song," and other playful tunes. In addition to its value to beginning pianists of all ages, this collection is also helpful for those wishing to practice and refresh their skills.

Author Biography

Leo Ornstein (1893–2002) was a leading American experimental composer and pianist who walked away from his fame in the mid-1920s. He continued writing music in obscurity for another half-century, and his works were rediscovered in the mid-1970s. At the age of 97, Ornstein completed his eighth and final piano sonata.