“Song Without Words (Pleading)”, by Florence Price
“Song Without Words (Pleading)”, by Florence Price, is the sixth in a set of “Seven Miniatures” for piano.
Reminiscent of Mendelssohn’s own "Songs without Words," this piece opens with a few measures of solo introduction, setting the stage for the “singer” - a lovely, cantabile melody. As the “A” section progresses, virtuosic demands increase along with greater keyboard and dynamic ranges. There are double notes, full chords, and octaves amidst quite a bit of counterpoint. Voice layering is another challenge. The voices weave together, progressing from one main melody, to a question-and-answer dialogue, and then another in the middle register. With often three or more voices at the same time, the thick textures must be carefully balanced to maintain clarity or allow space for inner voices. Additionally, this piece is an opportunity for students to develop a natural sense of flexibility. Price has specific musical markings; the frequent changes in tempo may be confusing at first, but are key guidelines in determining how, when, and where to place rubato and timing. The overall complexity is tempered with a slower tempo, making it easier to approach for pianists at the late intermediate level.
The intensity of section A slowly fades, followed by a short, melancholic section. A glimpse of the more desperate side to pleading, section B is in the relative key, further contrasting section A with a thin texture and subdued dynamics. Section A returns with one final climax before peacefully dying away.
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
Song without Words, by Florence Price. Performed by Sharon Hui.