Three
--Piano Encore with Storyline
Three is based on melodies from Three Blind Mice and Hickory Dickory Doc. The melodies are woven into a single composition lasting approximately 4:20 minutes.
If the performance involves staging, either by dancers, costumed actors, or by the reactions of the pianist, a story line is provided for dramatization. The story line suggests an overly dramatic pianist, who begins to play Three with great pomp and flare. The opening bars are simple, almost condescending, followed by thunderous chords and flowing arpeggios. "Look at me. Look how fast and loudly I can play. Am I not a great pianist?"
The pretentious opening is suddenly interrupted by scurrying melodies, and mice of various size and character begin to appear. Whether or not costumed actors actually appear on stage during the live performance is up to the producers. The pianist can simply react in a startled fashion to indicate the presence of something unusual.
If the accompanying CD is to be used in place of a live performance, e.g. in a classroom setting, appropriate questions for students might be:
1. Can you recognize the melodies as they appear in different styles and tempi? In some cases, the melody will be obvious. In other examples, the melody may appear only as a fragment. Sometimes the harmonic structure will be altered, as in this example where the melody from Hickory Dickory Doc is superimposed over a ticking clock.
2. How many times did you hear the melody from Three Blind Mice? From Hickory Dickory Doc?
3. Describe the appearances of different mice suggested by the music.
4. What happens at the very end? Why does the piece end with a single, short note in the lower register of the piano?
There are 11 Cues in the score to indicate a change in melody and style. MP3 excerpts and PDF score pages can be heard using the links below.
Excerpt 1
Excerpt 2 - Cue 7
Excerpt 3 - Cue 8
Excerpt 4 - Cue 10
Excerpt 5 Cue 11
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Three
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Piano Implications. Includes Three with 5 other scores for Piano.
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