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“A Jazz Trifle,” from Piano Potpourri, by Zenobia Powell Perry

“A Jazz Trifle” is a beautiful, contemplative, two-page slow piece with lots of sophisticated harmonies inspired by Jazz. It is about mid intermediate level.  Things that pianists may find challenging in this piece are mainly voicing the chords, using the pedal, and reading and making sense of complex jazzy chords. In order to phrase the melody in the chords, pianist must voice the chords and connect the melody with finger pedaling or foot pedaling. This piece has jazz chord progression in it, as well as some melodies that could be heard in some of the other pieces in this set. There is a mild “gospel” feel to it as well.

Piano Potpourri is a set of piano pieces composed between 1960 and 1990. There are 15 pieces in the set. The levels of the pieces vary from elementary to late advanced. The set has a thick structure and deep emotion overall. 

Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004) was an African American composer, professor and civil rights activist. She taught in some historically black colleges and universities. Her musical style is described as “music with clear, classic melodies.” She studied piano and violin in her childhood. Her most powerful musical experience was hearing Hazel Harrison (African-American pianist) in a concert. 

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Powell Perry

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