Little Melody in E-flat, from Seven Miniatures, by Florence Price
"Little Melody in E-flat major" is the fifth of the Seven Miniatures. These Miniatures comprise seven standalone pieces, published in An Album of Piano Pieces and Second Album of Piano Pieces, each of which revealing different facets of Price’s creative personality. "Little Melody," written in a Romantic and tonal style, often sounds like a boat floating on the water; it has moments of moving forward – the first few bars – and moments of pushing back, like in measures 18 – 22. The opening theme can be heard until the mood changes in measure 18 into a quiet, singing section before returning to the first melody in measure 26.
The most challenging aspects of this melody are the dynamic changes on the first page and interchanging voices in the right and left hand that can be voiced over the inner melodies. The layers of this melody can also pose a challenge, as there are often more than one layer in each hand. Because of Price’s expressiveness in this piece, there are many opportunities to work on subtle timing, flexibility, and rubato, as well as pedaling. This is a lovely piece, and a great introduction to Price’s piano works.
Florence Beatrice Price (1887-1953) is perhaps the best known African American female composer in the US. She was active in the Chicago area, and was the first African-American woman to have a composition played by a major orchestra. For a full biography and information about her works, visit the Florence Price website.
Sources
- Photo: Classical Lost And Found: Florence Price Rediscovered. NPR
- Florence Price. Wikipedia
- CU Philharmonia honors Florence Price in newly imagined orchestration
- Biography of Florence Beatrice Price
Melody in E-flat Major, by Florence Price. Performed by Pearl Enssle.