Announcing an original composition for Ana Darcy, a five movement suite for harpsichord (or piano), with each movement based on the style of a different baroque composer: Partita on Simple Gifts, by Larry Wallach, of Simon's Rock College of Bard.
Bruce Adolphe, the creator of hundreds of Piano Puzzlers for NPR, has called this piece one of the best such puzzlers he has heard. Ana's editor thinks the second one is in the style of J. S. Bach, but Mr. Adolphe says the third closely imitates another work of that gentleman. You are free to make your own guesses.
They are short. All five take less than seven minutes together. The first establishes the theme of the well-known Shaker hymn. The second offers it in intimate counterpoint. The three that follow employ increasingly elaborate and inventive variations, but no one need analyze too long. It's best to just enjoy and let them build.
We are honored to have the world famous harpsichordist Rebecca Pechefsky perform this first recording. (Composer Larry Wallach was the first to perform it in concert for a live audience.) You may also like dozens of Ms. Pechefsky's masterful recordings at YouTube, on the Quill Channel.
Enjoy!
You may also enjoy more of Ana Darcy's musical favorites under the music staff in the column on the right, towards the bottom.
