Migot, Georges : Le Livre d’Anne-Marie
Work Overview
First Publisher:Alphonse Leduc
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:10 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: December 25, 2024
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
A work suitable for beginner learners. Among Migot's complete piano works, it is the most accessible and holds a position equivalent to the "Méthode Rose". Composed in July 1939 at Les Pivotières (Fondettes, Loire region), and dedicated to Marcelle Pineau. Written around the time Migot served as a professor at the Poitiers Conservatory at Pineau's invitation, it was clearly intended for practical use in educational settings. The subtitle, "9 pièces à 2 voix en contrepoint simple et fleuri, fugato et basse obstinée à l'usage des enfants" (9 Pieces for Children in Simple and Florid Two-Voice Counterpoint, Fugato, and Basso Ostinato), serves as a direct description of the work. The cover of the first edition was designed by Migot himself, who possessed artistic talent and a knowledge of calligraphy. Short texts outlining the composer's intentions are appended to both the cover and the title page. On the cover, it states: "It is necessary to transcend the framework of major and minor keys, training children's ears and hands through thumb movements and bar lines, and gradually helping them understand rhythmic and fingering conventions." On the title page: "Initially, practice at a moderate tempo. Then, children will gradually discover the tempo for each piece that their own sensibility dictates."
Overall, the number of notes is very sparse, constructing primitive polyphonic music with each hand playing a single melodic line.Bach's Klavierbüchlein für Anna Magdalena Bach. Although accessible, its essence differs fundamentally from works for learners by Neoclassical composers who dominated the musical scene during Migot's time. Simple polyphonic music, not based on functional harmony, flows unassumingly, with no concrete subjects designed to appeal to children. However, upon repeated and earnest engagement with the work, one can indeed perceive a childlike innocence, as the subtitle suggests. While it may be unavoidable in lessons to gravitate towards pieces that are immediately understandable and familiar, occasionally delving deeply into such subtle pieces can also be a learning experience for the instructors themselves.
Pieces
- 1. Modéré (Moderate) 3/4
- 2. Allant (Lively) 2/4
- 3. Allant décidé (Lively and Decisive) 4/4
- 4. Allant (Lively) 3/4
- 5. Comme un choral (Like a Chorale) 2/2
- 6. Allant (Lively) 4/4
- 7. Andante 3/4
- 8. Décidé (Decisive) 3/4
- 9. Allant, chantant soutenu (Lively, singing sustained)