Thompson, John Sylvanus : Bolero for two pianos
Work Overview
First Publisher:Willis Music
Instrumentation:Piano Ensemble
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:5 min 00 sec
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: December 24, 2021
[Open]
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
This is an original work for two pianos. It is accessible for players around Czerny Op. 30 level. Before the Bolero, there is an introduction played by Piano I solo. It is an Andante Maestoso, in 3/4 time, C major, and serves as a romantic opening. Once the introduction comes to a complete close, the Bolero for two pianos begins with a crisp rhythm. Allegro Vivace, 3/4 time, A minor. Passionate musical ideas crisscross throughout, lively and dynamic. Similarities to Chopin's Bolero (Op. 19) are sometimes pointed out. Thompson often explains his own works and explicitly states his sources, but he says nothing in the published score of this work. Indeed, upon closer inspection, there are certainly many similarities to Chopin, such as the wild main melody, accents, and modulation techniques. In any case, it should be regarded not as a facile borrowing of musical ideas, but rather as an ambitious creation that balances respect for Chopin with original conception. The brilliant pianism was cultivated by Thompson during his early career as a concert pianist.