Download
Dainty Doll, by Bernard Barnes is a novelty piano solo, published in 1934. A movement full of charm it needs to be played in a swing style with a ligh Show More...
Dainty Doll, by Bernard Barnes is a novelty piano solo, published in 1934. A movement full of charm it needs to be played in a swing style with a light keyboard touch. The realisation plays back at 120 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute. The same tempo is used in each of the sections in the realisation apart from bars the two bar link (bars 43 & 44) where the tempo has been deliberately slowed before the return of the A section. Dainty Doll described as a Novelette dates from 1934. As a piano novelty solo played in a swing style some obvious ambiguities arise in terms of understanding the notation of the music. The music needs to be played with a lightness in the hands and the melodic ideas need to be articulated clearly. The triplet pattern features continually despite the ambiguity of the notation. While use of the sustaining pedal is recommended its use is not indicated in the music score. Formally the music can be described as A B C A with the key plan being D G C D. 16 bar phrases are evident in the structure in each of the sections Whilst there is a clear reference to the American march this is presented in an abridged form more suited to the performance of novelty piano music. Barney Barnes is also fond of using a two bar link just before the return of the A section preparing the return to the home key of D. The compositional style demonstrates many of the popular music cliches and formulas contemporary to the period of its writing. The 2 bar unit is very much the building block in novelty pieces of music with each building block being part of a conversation very much like the question and answer phrase structure that is frequently described in classical music A display of contrasting textures in each of the sections also tends to be evident. From the technical point of view novelty pieces certainly on the piano need to be understood as being advanced pieces and tempo instructions invariably should be interpreted as “play as fast as possible.” Harmonically many seventh chords are in evidence and the cycle of fifths often with the addition of chromatic notes provides the framework. Musicians will sense that this piece as is the case with much novelty music is suitable to be arranged for other instrument combinations because there are some evident accompaniment motives and the texture and pianistic writing suggests arrangement possibilities. It is a pity that there isn’t more Bernard Barnes sheet music available because his compositional style has great charm and appeal. As in much novelty piano music the interval of a fourth features in the melody line. Novelty music is very much a chordal based often with a strong chromatic element. The realisation plays back at 120 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute. Repetition features strongly in the piece and the spread chords in the left hand are necessary enabling pianists to manage stretches. Subtle changes of tempo do not feature in the realisation and generally music in this style needs to be played consistently with possibly some slowing down at the end of sections Bernard Barnes 1892 -1947 was born in Worcester (modern day West Midlands) in the UK and moved to the USA is his youth settling in Seattle where he worked as a cinema organist becoming an American citizen in 1922. He is associated with a mode of music making familiarly referred to as “photoplay” that is music intended to be played for silent movies. His day job was playing largely improvised organ music to accompany silent movies. In the video score some of the graphic score detail is hidden simply because it behaves inconsistently in this format. The pianos of the novelty era tended to have lighter touches that those of modern instruments which partly explains tempos from archive recordings. Certainly as a composer Barney Barnes is deserving of more attention and his popular piano novelties need to heard more often. The early radio and recording years were wonderful times for piano playing with the majority of well trained classical musicians having to decide on whether to pursue a career on traditional paths or embrace the new idioms of radio, cinema and related popular music idioms. Close
Download
Bernard Barnes 1892 -1947 was born in Worcester and moved to the USA is his youth settling in Seattle where he worked as a cinema organist becoming an Show More...
Bernard Barnes 1892 -1947 was born in Worcester and moved to the USA is his youth settling in Seattle where he worked as a cinema organist becoming an American citizen in 1922. He is associated with a mode of music making familiarly referred to as “photoplay” that is music intended to be played for silent movies. Dainty Miss described as a Novelette dates from 1924. Whist a piano novelty solo played in a swing style there are recordings available where the music is arranged for Palm Court Orchestra. The music needs to be played with a lightness in the hands and the melodic ideas need to be articulated clearly. It is quite a charming character piece that does not need to be played too quickly. The triplet pattern features continually despite the ambiguity of the notation. Crossing of hands (left over right hand feature in the second section of music which has the repeat. After the 16 bar trio section there is a two bar link leading to a reprise of the first section with a slightly different final cadence. The voice leading in bar 44 warrants some careful attention and possibly quite a bit of disagreement amongst piano players? A tempo of between 55-60 half note or minim beats to the minute is suggested. While use of the sustaining pedal is recommended its use is not indicated in the music score. The realisation plays back at 60 half note or minim beats to the minute. Close
Download
Bubbling Over is a novelty piano solo by Carroll Gibbons published in 1937. The playback tempo of the realisation is 84 half note or minim beats to th Show More...
Bubbling Over is a novelty piano solo by Carroll Gibbons published in 1937. The playback tempo of the realisation is 84 half note or minim beats to the minute and 72 half note bpm in the section from bars 79 to 110. It is a movement that needs to be played in a swing style. Carroll Gibbons was a wonderful musical talent and pianist kept busy at the Savoy Hotel in the war years. Broadcasting on a regular basis his playing is well documented in the recording sense although sadly not much of his piano music is available in print. Although American by birth he lived and worked in England. The quality of his musicianship is down to a combination his wonderful knowledge of chords, a repertoire largely based on the songbooks of the 1930’s & 40’s combined with experience leading bands in his working years. For the enthusiast there is archive material to discover on Carroll Gibbons. His performances particularly of popular songs are well documented with many broadcasts and recordings of his music available on streaming media. He is associated with many of the finest artists of his day including the singers Anne Lenner and Hildegarde. Pianists intending to play this particular piece well will need to have an excellent piano technique. Many of the techniques that feature in the popular piano styles of the 20th century can be identified in Bubbling Over. A light piano touch is needed and players need to play accurately and above all with rhythmic security and command. Gibbons is fond of using 2 bar links enabling him to change the mood and key in his music and there is an example of this from bar 77-78. Managing the weight in the hands is crucial in performing complex chordal music like this on a piano. It’s probably best to learn the movement as three separate sections and then perform the work as a whole. Careful attention needs to be paid to the note reading and the stretches in both hands need to be carefully managed. The swing style of playing requires the music to be performed with a triplet feel and this is not particularly well represented on the sheet music page with clarity. This is the reason why it is important and necessary for pianists to listen to Carroll Gibbons recordings playing his own music. The chromatic element in the writing is strong. The pianos in England when this music was composed were often made by Challen which had quite a light touch. Bubbling Over is described as a Foxtrot and has a sectional structure. After a 4 bar introduction there is a 35 bar A section in the key of D succeeded by a 32 bar B section in the key of F. After a two bar link this is followed by a 32 bar section in the key of G with the final section being a repeat of the opening Section A with the addition of a 6 bar coda. The A section is very typical of novelty music style whilst the B section is chordal in character. Section C features cross hand playing with the melody played in the tenor line with a bass line and off beat chords succeeded by the repetition of the A section and coda. His arrangements demonstrate a great awareness of harmonic colouring in both the choice of chords in the harmonic progression sense and the additional notes added to chords. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for marimba, flute, guitar & bass This novelty piece published in 1926 is a lively movement that needs to be Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for marimba, flute, guitar & bass This novelty piece published in 1926 is a lively movement that needs to be played in a swing style. The realisation score plays back at 64 half note or minim bpm. In this arrangement rehearsal markings are in place in the score with the music sounding in the original key of D. The pdf #sheetmusic download has individual instrument parts appended to the full score. Electric or acoustic guitars can be used and either electric bass guitar or acoustic bass. There is a strong chromatic element in this movement which has a formal structure related to the American march form. Additionally there is a strong repetitive element in the use of shapes and motifs which is often a feature in the popular music idiom. Modern instruments are tonally much stronger than the instruments of the 1920’s and some of the indicated articulation markings may need to be reviewed by players. The marimba is presented as the solo instrument in the arrangement with the flute providing the fills and links at the end of phrases. The guitar part is fairly straight forward although some of the chords have been revoiced so that the chord choices are straightforward. In the appended parts chord symbols are in place to assist players where they are appropriate. This is a mix and match arrangement so other arrangements in D, flute, cello and bassoon can make use of this choice of accompaniment for practicing. Popular music idioms in the modern sense were established in the first decade of the 20th century first with ragtime and then with related styles like novelty piano, stride piano and subsequently with blues and jazz styles and much later other combinations . Musicians as such were provided with a career choice of either pursuing the popular or more serious classical idiom. Interestingly many successful popular music composers and performers in the early 20th century were classically trained. The realisation plays back at 62 half note or minim beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place playing back at 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing and not altogether consistent so thare are a few rhythmic ambiguities in the score Time spent listening to performances of this piece will be helpful. It is communicating the swing style element that is important when the music is played. The triplet pattern or shape is the key rhythmic element. John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms. It would be interesting to ask him why? Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for cello & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. It is a lively movement that needs to be played Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for cello & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. It is a lively movement that needs to be played in a swing style. The realisation plays back at 62 half note or minim beats per minute. (bpm). In this arrangement the music sounds in the original key of D. The pdf sheetmusic download has a cello part appended to the full score. There is a strong chromatic element in this movement which has a formal structure related to the American march form Additionally there is a strong repetitive element in the use of shapes and motifs which is often a feature in the popular music idiom. Modern instruments are tonally much stronger than the instruments of the 1920’s and some of the indicated articulation markings may need to be reviewed by players. Popular music idioms in the modern sense were established in the first decade of the 20th century first with ragtime and then with related styles like novelty piano, stride piano and subsequently with blues and jazz styles and much later other combinations . Musicians as such were provided with a career choice of either pursuing the popular or more serious classical idiom. Interestingly many successful popular music composers and performers in the early 20th century were classically trained. The realisation plays back at 62 half note or minim beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place playing back at 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing and not altogether consistent or to be believed. Time spent listening to performances of this piece will be helpful Communicating the swing style element that is important when the music is played. The triplet pattern or shape is the key rhythmic element John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms. It would be interesting to ask him why? Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for flute & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. A lively movement it needs to be played in a sw Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for flute & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. A lively movement it needs to be played in a swing style. In this arrangement the music sounds in the original intended key of D. The pdf sheetmusic download has a flute part appended to the full score. There is a strong chromatic element in this movement which has a sectional structure. There is a strong repetitive element in the use of shapes and motifs. Modern instruments are tonally much stronger than the instruments of yesteryear and some of the indicated articulation markings may need to be reviewed. Popular music idioms were established in the first decade of the 20th century first with ragtime and then related styles like novelty and subsequently blues and jazz styles. The realisation plays back at 64 half note or minim beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place playing back at 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing and not altogether consistent but it is communicating the swing style element that is important when the music is played. The triplet pattern or shape is the key rhythmic element. Novelty pieces were generally composed in American March form. John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms, Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for tenor saxophone & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. It is a lively movement that needs to Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for tenor saxophone & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. It is a lively movement that needs to be played in a swing style. The realisation plays back at 62 half note or minim bpm. In this arrangement the music sounds in the key of Bb. The pdf sheetmusic download has a tenor saxophone part appropriately transposed appended to the full score. There is a strong chromatic element in this movement which has a formal structure related to the American march form There is a strong repetitive element in the use of shapes and motifs which is often a feature in the popular music idiom. Modern instruments are tonally much stronger than the instruments of the 1920’s and some of the indicated articulation markings may need to be reviewed by players. Popular music idioms in the modern sense were established in the first decade of the 20th century first with ragtime and then with related styles like novelty piano, stride piano and subsequently with blues and jazz styles. Musicians as such were provided with a career choice of either pursuing the popular or more serious classical idioms. Interestingly many successful popular music composers and performers in the early 20th century were classically trained musicians. The realisation plays back at 62 half note or minim beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place playing back at 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing and not altogether consistent. The triplet pattern or shape is the key rhythmic element. Communicating the swing style element is important when playing this music and it would be wise to spend time listening to performances from available recordings. John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms. It would be interesting to ask him why? Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for clarinet in Bb & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. A lively movement it needs to be playe Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly in an arrangement for clarinet in Bb & piano. This novelty piece was published in 1926. A lively movement it needs to be played in a swing style. In this arrangement the music sounds has been transposed sounding in the key of B flat. The pdf sheetmusic download has a clarinet in Bb part appended to the full score. There is a strong chromatic element in what is a movement with a sectional structure. There is a strong repetitive element in the use of shapes and motifs. Modern instruments are tonally much stronger than the instruments of yesteryear and some of the indicated articulation markings may need to be reviewed. Popular music idioms were established in the first decade of the 20th century first with ragtime and then related styles like novelty and subsequently blues and jazz styles. The realisation plays back at 64 half note or minim beats to the minute. Accompaniments are in place playing back at 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70 and 72 half note or minim beats to the minute. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing and not altogether consistent but it is communicating the swing style element that is important when the music is played. .The triplet pattern or shape is the key rhythmic element. Novelty pieces were generally composed in American March form. John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms, Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly a noveltypiano solo was published in 1926. A lively movement it need to be played in a swing style. The novelty pianists we Show More...
J.S. Zamecnik’s Polly a noveltypiano solo was published in 1926. A lively movement it need to be played in a swing style. The novelty pianists were unique musicians and performers generally possessing great keyboard technique and frequently were well trained musicians. They were attracted to playing music in the popular popular music style pretty much established by Scott Joplin and others in the ragtime era. Whilst the realisation plays back at 66 half note or minim beats to the minute the movement can and is often played much faster. In the video score some of the score detail has been hidden because graphics behave inconsistently in this format. The conventions used in the notation of swing music are confusing but it is communicating the swing style element that is important. The triplet pattern is the key rhythmic element. Novelty pieces were generally composed in American March form. Where novelty pianists and composers are particularly inventive is in their choices of rhythmic shapes and the clarity in the harmonic journey and direction of their music. John Stepan Zamecnik had a successful career as a composer of music for film or more accurately silent films commonly referred to as photoplay music. As a composer he frequently used pseudonms, Whilst American by birth he studied music in Prague with Dvorak in the mid 1890's. Much of his working life was spent in the city of Cleveland. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for marimba & guitar. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music a Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for marimba & guitar. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character it is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Individual marimba parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Accompaniments are in place allowing the marimbaplayers to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines with a guitar . The guitar accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is much more playable and not nearly as difficult as the solo marimba. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is music that can be viewed as being ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in the choices of formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance patterns referenced in the music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for two marimbas The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idi Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for two marimbas The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character it is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” #sheetmusic & accompaniments link: coming soon Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Individual marimba parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Marimba accompaniments are in place allowing marimba 1 players to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The lowest sounding note is A2 in the marimba 2 part. The marimba 2 accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The accompaniment (marimba 2) is much more playable and not nearly as difficult as the solo (marimba 1). The music editor has limited each player to one beater in each hand so only two sounds can be sounded by each of the players at any one time in this arrangement. If marimba players require more of a challenge please advise the PlentyMusic Office with a specification. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is music that can be viewed as being ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in the choices of formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance patterns referenced in the music. Close
Download
Summer Rain by Carroll Gibbons, is an advanced level novelty piano solo, composed in 1937. The realisation plays back at 84 half note or minim beats Show More...
Summer Rain by Carroll Gibbons, is an advanced level novelty piano solo, composed in 1937. The realisation plays back at 84 half note or minim beats in the swing triplet sections and 64 half note or minim beats in all the straight slower section. Swing playing involves playing the eighth notes or quavers in a triplet pattern or context. The swing aspect to the piano playing means that the music has to be approached with a lightness in the hands and arms. In novelty piano music the full range of the 88 note piano keyboard is often explored. The music editor suggests learning this piece in sections subsequently playing whole phrases and sections. The tempo instruction is essentially “play the music as fast as you dare.” The left hand stretches from bar 10 need to be managed by rolling the hand left to right so that the notes sound using a technique borrowed from the contemporary stride piano era. At bar 20 the music editor suggests that the reverse process is in place in that the rolling effect this time is from right to left. Appreciate that the notation of music in all its idioms and styles is sometimes challenging and ambiguous to understand. The 8 bar introduction is played in a straight rhythm. The section from bar 9 to bar 68 is played in a swing style meaning that the music needs to be played with a triplet feel. This is followed by a 4 bar link in straight rhythm preceding a slower section from bar 73 to bar 104 also played without a swing feel. The final section from bar 104 to 144 is again in a swing style returning to the idiom and style of bars 6-65. In context this final section is best considered as a play out quite relevant in the broadcasting of music at the time. The sections played in a swing style need to be approached with a lightness in the hands and stretches need to be managed and practiced. The writing is pianistic meaning that the chord choices and voicing are playable. The chromatic element is also strong. Take note of the tempo changes and dynamic markings because they certainly assist in making a performance manageable. The use of the sustaining pedal is essential when performing this style of music composed at a time when there were many fine piano manufacturers were in business in the UK. The music editor has not been able to source as many recordings of this novelty piece as he anticipated in the preparation of the score. Additionally there is the suggestion that the notated copy of Summer Rain is very much a musical sketch. Interpret some or all of the “sketch” as you wish. Novelty pianists in the 1920 and 1930’s were generally well trained musicians who decided on a career choice to play, arrange and compose music in the many popular music idioms and styles that emerged in the 1920’s and 30’s. Broadcast opportunities, the recording and film industries also provided additional incentives and motivation. Playing through the repertoire of this great period of song writing 1920- 1940’s enabled GIbbons and other contemporary pianists to acquire a unique knowledge of chords and harmonic options and choices available when it came to composing their own music. Carroll Gibbons was a most gifted pianist although other novelty pianists and composers have left more extensive legacies of notated and published music. Carroll Gibbons was an exceptional music performer and he left a rich recording legacy although sadly only a few instrumental pieces were published for piano. The strength of Gibbon’s writing is in the inventiveness of both the rhythmic and melodic elements combined with a nuanced choice of chords. The fully voiced chord choices in the piano writing more than suggest his background as a band leader. His piano touch and technique were unique – he was a quite exceptional musical leader and performer. Carroll Gibbons, although born in America, became a London based pianist and band leader working at the Savoy Hotel and leading the Savoy Opheans. He worked for HMV as Director of Light Music and recorded extensively with a small combo group known as Carroll Gibbons and his Boyfriends. The recording legacy of popular songs of the day features singers Anne Lenner and Hildegarde. He was a wonderful pianist and there are a few clips of his playing can be seen on YouTube. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt in an arrangement for piano duet by John Zamecnik. Nola is frequently referred to as the first novelty piano piece, a musical idio Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt in an arrangement for piano duet by John Zamecnik. Nola is frequently referred to as the first novelty piano piece, a musical idiom emerging from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Piano accompaniments are in place allowing duo players to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks The primo part is on one side of the stereo channel and the secondo part on the other. John Zamecnik was a gifted Ameican composer, conductor and arranger of Czech extraction who studied at the Prague Conservatory of Music with Dvorak,. He is mainly known for his silent movie scores often composed using pseudonyms and published by Samuel Fox. He lived in Cleveland. The 2/2 time signature indicates that Nola needs to be played with a sense of two beats in the bar Both referencing and understanding the swing style this music needs to played with a clrear understanding meaning that the triplet figuration prevails. Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who tragically died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. Some of the score detail, particularly phrase markings have been hidden in the #sheetmusic video score simply because the associated graphics behave inconsistently in this format. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Tension in the fingers, hands and arms is something to be avoided and this can be partly achieved by keeping a lightness in the hands and arms and secure fingering. Fingers need to be close to the keys. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. The left hand playing style of the bass and chords owes its origins to the ragtime era. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The composer does not make use of repeat signs. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three score years and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are also several dance step references in the music The triplet swing pattern additionally imbues this music. Close
Download
Moonbeams Dance by Carroll Gibbons needs to be played in a swing style meaning that a triplet feel needs to be communicated in performances of the mus Show More...
Moonbeams Dance by Carroll Gibbons needs to be played in a swing style meaning that a triplet feel needs to be communicated in performances of the music. Novelty piano succeeded the ragtime era of the early 20th century. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 110 bpm. Much novelty music was written for the piano and many of the pianists were simply wizards in terms of their skill at playing the instrument. That said there is a strong repetitive element in the musical style which enable challenges to be managed. There are many technical challenges to manage when playing this movement and they can be mastered if each is identified and practiced methodically whilst retaining a lightness in the hands. The music editor deliberately avoids putting more than one articulation marking on a note. The rôle of the left hand is to essentially play the bass and accompanying chords. The left hand stretches often involve leaps of a tenth and more and in this respect there is a connection with stride piano which is a related style also emerging from ragtime piano. Novelty piano music tends to be played at a fast tempo. The 110 quarter note beats to the minute tempo in the sheet music video score is, the music editor suggests, a rather cautious tempo. Carroll Gibbons was a American pianist, composer and band leader largely remembered for his recordings and performances in London during the 1930’s & 1940’s. A wonderful piano player there are a few video clips available on YouTube that can be viewed to observe the great facility and technique that he possessed. The music combines bass & chord with an inventive and energetic melody line. The musical ideas and figuration that feature in Moonbeams Dance are understandably pianistic and fourths are a strong feature in the repeating A section. The phrase structure generally refences the characteristic 8 bar patterns typical of music from the dance band era with which Carroll Gibbons was closely associated. A knowledge of chords and how they are described is a requirement playing this and many other popular music styles. The chromatic element is also quite strong. The sectional form of the movement can be summarised as follows: Intro A B A C D A Coda Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for clarinet in A & piano in the original key of D . The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for clarinet in A & piano in the original key of D . The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. A clarinet in A is appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Piano accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 60, 62, 64 & 66 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. Some of the score detail have been hidden in the #sheetmusic video score simply because the associated graphics behave inconsistently in this format. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. The playing style of the bass and chords is a derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The composer does not make use of repeat signs. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance pattern steps also referenced in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo + TAB. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo + TAB. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged during the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing guitars to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the accompaniments. A TAB score is also available in this guitar duo version. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the parts required to keep to the range of the instrument. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. The TAB score does have its limitations in that it is just a rather literal interpretation of the parts. There are probably better options for guitar players. In the TAB part the triplet numbers have been hidden to avoid confusion. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is definitely music ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance move references in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo. The composition dates from 1915 and is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that e Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. guitar duo. The composition dates from 1915 and is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character it is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing guitars to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the Guitar 1 solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the #PlentyMusic recordings. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the parts required to keep to the range of the instrument. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is music that can be viewed as being ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in the choices of formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance patterns referenced in the music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. flute & guitar. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom th Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. flute & guitar. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged during the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Flute & guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing flautists to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the flute solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the accompaniments. A TAB score is available on the guitar duo version. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the flute part simply to keep within the instrument’s range. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is definitely music ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance move references in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. PlentyMusic pdf sheet music scores and mp3 accompaniments can be downloaded from the PlentyMusic website. Improve music practice routines with PlentyMusic accompaniments and technical drills. Beginner, improver, intermediate and advanced level sheet music scores are available for many different musical instrument combinations. Music scores are written and presented in staff notation. Free scores are also available as pdf sheet music downloads. A wide range of different musical performing styles are represented on the PlentyMusic website from early times through to classical and popular. Explore PlentyMusic a new and innovative sheet music publisher. #Nola by Felix #Arndt arr. flute & guitar by Stephen Royle The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged during the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” #sheetmusic & accompaniments link: coming soon Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1919. Flute & guitar parts are appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Guitar accompaniments are in place allowing flautists to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The guitar accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the flute solo. Classical, steel and electric guitar are all appropriate although an acoustic sound has been used in the accompaniments. A TAB score is available on the guitar duo version. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the flute part simply to keep within the instrument’s range. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is definitely music ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance move references in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. flute & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom tha Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arr. flute & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged during the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. This is the perfect “party piece.” Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. A flute part is appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Piano accompaniments are in place allowing flautists to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The piano accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the flute solo. Appreciate that there are some octave transpositions in the flute part simply to keep within the instrument’s range. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. Swing playing identifies more with the 1920’s so this is definitely music ahead of its time. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. He left the music world with the potential to achieve so much. Born in 1889 if he had lived his entitled three year scores and ten he could have lived until 1959 and would have been a contemporary with so many other greats. It is also ironic because 1959 is the year that a version of Nola achieved success in the pop charts. What is so evident is that he had a wonderful understanding of harmonic colour and the relevance of chords in the popular music idiom. He can be truly described as a musical forerunner. Apart from the abundance of musical ideas it is understanding of the harmonic framework which makes his music so appealing. There are several dance move references in the music The triplet swing pattern imbues this music. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for soprano saxophone & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelt Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for soprano saxophone & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece of novelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. A soprano saxophone part is appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Piano accompaniments are in place allowing saxophone players to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64 & 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The piano accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the clarinet solo. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. There are a number of octave transpositions in the solo saxophone part to keep within the instruments range. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. The playing style of the bass and chords is derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The composer does not make use of repeat signs. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. Nola by Felix Arndt dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first novelty piano piece, a musical idiom emerging from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for clarinet in Bb & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece ofnovelty mu Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt arranged for clarinet in Bb & piano. The composition dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first piece ofnovelty music an idiom that emerged from the ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. A clarinet in B flat is appended to the full score in the pdf sheet music download. Piano accompaniments are in place allowing clarinet players to participate in play-a-long ensemble activities as part of music practice routines. The accompaniment tracks play back at 58, 60, 62, 64, 66 & 68 half note (minim) beats per minute. There is a two bar count in /click track at the beginning of the accompaniment tracks. The piano accompaniment is quite playable and not nearly as difficult as the clarinet solo. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references both the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. The playing style of the bass and chords is a derived from ragtime. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The composer does not make use of repeat signs. The key plan can be summarised as I – i – I – IV - I The novelty era has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and musical shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. The music editor’s observation is that Felix Arndt was a hugely talented, imaginative and inventive composer and it is a tragedy that he did not live longer to compose music that similarly anticipated future trends. Close
Download
Nola by Felix Arndt dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first novelty piano piece, a musical idiom emerging from the #ragtime era. Li Show More...
Nola by Felix Arndt dates from 1915. It is frequently referred to as the first novelty piano piece, a musical idiom emerging from the #ragtime era. Light and breezy in character this is a style of music very much intended to lift the mood and spirit. Nola needs to be played in a swing style simply meaning that the triplet figuration prevails. Arndt was a New York based composer and pianist who died during the Spanish Flu epidemic in 1919. Sections need to be played at the same tempo and there is little opportunity for slowing down at the end of phrases and sections. Some of the score detail, particularly phrase markings have been hidden in the sheetmusic video score simply because the associated graphics behave inconsistently in this format. This is music that moves along quickly but also needs to played in a completely relaxed manner. Tension in the fingers, hands and arms is something to be avoided and this can be partly achieved by keeping a lightness in the hands and arms and secure fingering. Fingers need to be close to the keys. Nola is brimming with musical ideas and inventiveness and is a very “modern” sounding work for 1915. As a musical snapshot of its time it references the ragtime era of its near past and points to the future in its swing jazz style triplet rhythms. The left hand playing style of the bass and chords owes its origins to the ragtime era. Contrasting and repeating sections are in evidence whilst the formal pattern of the music is A B A C D C A with an 8 bar coda at the end. The composer does not make use of repeat signs. The key plan can be summarised as D – D minor – D – G - D Novelty piano music has a strong connection with ragtime particularly in its formal patterns and shapes. Whilst the repetitive element is strong the composer does not make use of repeat signs. Close
