"Prankster" by Mable Bailey

"Prankster" by Mable Bailey is a short and lively atonal composition. Its duration is around one minute and forty-five seconds. The title of the composition describes its characters very well; it is odd, eccentric, and "naughty" like a prankster. The composition follows no conventional harmonic progression; it relies on the quality and effects of dissonances such as tritones, 2nds, 7ths, and various diminished intervals that make up the majority of the composition. The use of staccatos and accents also intensifies the sharp, tricky feeling of the composition.

The composition is approximately at the late intermediate level and it has very detailed articulation and dynamic specifications. There are plenty of accidentals throughout the piece. The rhythm is pretty straightfoward despite the fast tempo. The composition also follows several patterns, both rhythmically and melodically, which make the composition easier to learn.

By studying "Prankster", a student could realize that beauty exists not only in the "traditional" harmony but also in dissonances. Studying "Prankster" also will improve the student's ability to shape and articulate since the composer gives very detailed instructions on how the performer should execute the performance.

About the Composer: "Mable Bailey was born in Canton, Mississippi, and moved to Oakland, California, with her family as a child. She graduated from San Francisco State University in 1963 with a double major in education and music. She began to compose while she was a graduate student at the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque, and studied composition at the College of Holy Names in Oakland, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the University of Denver. She has taught in the Denver Public Schools since 1976, and composes choral, vocal, and instrumental music." (Hildegrad Publishing Company)

Sources:

• Hildegard Publishing Company. Music by Women Composers.
• Photo shared by the composer