Eben, Millie, United States
American pianist, teacher, clinician, and accompanist. Holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance and pedagogy from West Chester University.
Midnight Horseman
Fort Lauderdale, FL: FJH Music, 2000; available as a sheet and is also included in Spotlight on Duets, Book 1.
A suspenseful gallop. Requires careful listening to precisely align melody (primo) with accompaniment (secondo). A four-bar eighth note passage in the secondo left hand provides some challenge.
Level: UE
Eben, Petr (1929–2007), Czechoslovakia
Czech composer, organist, and choirmaster. Served as professor of composition at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, from 1978 to 1979 and was appointed professor of compostion at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague in 1990.
Grunes Waldchen (Little Green Woods)
Eight arrangements of folk songs for one piano, four hands. “Ich hatt’ einen Liebsten” (I Had a Darling) is published in Verhandig by Barenreiter.
Level: I
Eberl, Anton (1765–1807), Austria
Popular Austrian musician, friend of Gluck and Mozart; brilliant concert pianist and composer. His works are written in late Classical style with some pre-Romantic traits.
Caprice et rondo (C), Op. 42
Vienna: Bureau des Arts et d’Industrie, 1804.
Long, repetitious work with modest structural and melodic interest; marred by weak development of thematic materials.
Level: I
Polonaise (B♭), Op. 19
Vienna: Bureau des Arts et d’Industrie, ca. 1801.
Polonaise (D), Op. 24
Vienna: Weigl, ca. 1803.
Deux sonates (C, F), Op. 7
St. Petersburg: Gerstenberg & Dittmar; Vienna: Bureau des Arts et d’Industrie, Weigl.
Rather short, three-movement works in compact, tuneful, Classical style; well balanced, but lightweight in content.
Level: LI–I
Ebers, Carl Friedrich (1770–1836), Germany
German composer of symphonies, operas, cantatas. He incurred the wrath of Weber when he made an unauthorized arrangement of the latter’s clarinet quintet as a piano sonata.
Douze petites pièces (C, C, F, C, C, C, F, C, C, C, E♭, E♭), Op. 6
Brunswick: Au magasin de musique à la Höhe, 1796.
Short, two- and three-part pieces in a variety of Classical dance forms in thin harmonic idiom; parts are not always carefully balanced.
Level: I
Eckardt, Gustav R.
Grande marche (g)
New York: William Hall, 1863.
Brilliant salon pieces; interesting and well balanced for both parts.
Level: I
Edwards, C.
March of the Magi Kings
Cincinnati: Willis Music, n.d.
Level: E
Edwards, Ross (b. 1943), Australia
A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Sydney. Student of Peter Sculthorpe, Richard Meale, Sandor Veress, and Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. Catalog includes symphonies, concerti, chamber and vocal literature, film scores, opera, music for dance as well as educational music.
A Flight of Sunbirds: Nine Bagatelles for Piano Duet
London: Ricordi, 2004.
I. Energico; II. Andantino; III. Allegro raggiante; IV. Poco lento; V. Allegretto; VI. Allegro; VII. Andante; VIII. Andante con moto; IX. Vivace. Commissioned by pianist Elizabeth Green, some are arrangements of earlier compositions while others are conceived for the medium. Rhythmically driven, yet lyrical and enchanting.
Level: I–UI
Eftestol, Sverre (b. 1952), Norway
Studied piano and church music at the Kristiansand Conservatory of Music. Further studies in composition with George Crumb and Mauricio Kagel at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. Compositions are heavily influenced by folk music.
Oslo: MIC (Music Information Centre) Norsk, 1985.
Six brief and evocative movements: I. Administrasjon; II. Konferanse; III. Bibliotek; IV. Galleri; V. Vestibyle; VI. Teater. Composed for the dedication of a new concert grand piano at the opening of the cultural house in Kvinesdal. Approximate performance duration: six minutes.
Level: UI–LA
Pa Gamle Tufter (The Old Sites)
Oslo: MIC (Music Information Centre) Norsk.
A three-movement suite based on folk tunes: I. Halling; II. Kjuringhoisten (Shepherd Holler); III. Huknuden. Fast-slow-fast structure of movements. The outer movements are dance-like, surrounding a somber middle movement. Approximate total performance duration: eleven minutes.
Level: LA
Rondofantasi Based on the English Tune “Dance to Your Daddy”
Oslo: MIC (Music Information Centre) Norsk, 2004.
A spritely rondo in B♭ major based on a traditional English folk song.
Level: LA
Eggeling, Georg (1866–1923), Germany
German teacher and composer of instructional and salon music for piano.
La capricieuse, valse (D), Op. 120
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1906.
Level: LI
Festival March (B♭), Op. 212
Philadelphia: Presser, 1924.
Level: I
Folk Dance, Op. 220
Philadelphia: Presser, 1925.
Level: I
Hunting Song, Op. 173
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1911.
Level: I
Marche militaire
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1922.
Level: UE–LI
Minka, mazurka brillante
Boston: A. P. Schmidlt, 1924.
Level: LI
Souvenir de Pesth (f), Op. 113
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1906.
Display piece in salon style.
Level: UI
Ungarischer Tanz, No. 1 (g), Op. 108
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1905.
Salon piece in Hungarian style with balanced parts and considerable rhythmic interest.
Level: I
Eggert, Joachim (1779–1813), Germany
German-born Swedish organist and conductor. He wrote operas, symphonies, cantatas, and chamber music in Classical style showing traits of early German Romanticism.
Variationen auf ein schwedisches Volkslied, 1815
Manuscript.
Seven variations and a finale in Classical style; diverting in spite of routine passage work and harmonies.
Level: I
Ehrhardt, C. Michael (1914–1999), United States
Composer and educator.
Fanfare Royale
Florence, KY: Willis Music, 1993.
A majestic antiphonal fanfare.
Level: LI
Hava Nagila
Level: LI
Eiges, Konstantin Romanovich (1875–1950), Russia
Russian composer and pianist.
Lëgkie variatsii (Easy Variations)
Moscow: State Music, 1938.
Charming, inventive set of five variations in conventional harmonic idiom; well distributed for both parts; deserves to be reprinted.
Level: UE
Elizabethan Keyboard Duets (Nicholas Carlton: A Verse for Two to Play; Thomas Tomkins: A Fancy for Two to Play)
Dawes, Frank, ed. London: Schott, 1949.
For Two to Play (Nicholas Carlton: A Verse for Two to Play; Thomas Tomkins: A Fancy for Two to Play)
Goebels, Franzpeter, ed. Kassel: Nagels Verlag, 1973.
The earliest-known pieces for two performers at one keyboard, these two duets date from the early seventeenth or possibly late sixteenth century. They are fine examples of the English fancy, a: form of polyphonic composition similar to the continental ricercare, which in some respects anticipated the fugue and was much cultivated by the English virginalist composers. Nicholas Carlton’s A Verse for Two to Play is an In Nomine, a type of fancy of vocal motet origin, often written for viols or virginals and based on a plainsong melody, Gloria tibi Trinitas. Fugal themes are developed around the cantus firmus, which extends from the beginning to the end of the piece. The Tomkins piece is shorter and freer in form than the Carlton work. Fugal entrances, sometimes overlapping, are developed imitatively without a central cantus firmus and, later, antiphonally.
Level: I
Eilenberg, Richard (1848–1927), Germany
German pianist and composer of nearly 350 works, including marches and dances for orchestra, a ballet, and an operetta.
Die Muhle im Schwarzwald (The Mill in the Black Forest), Op. 52
Leipzig: August Cranz, 1951.
A two-part salon piece with sections labeled “By the Brook”—Andantino and “The Mill”—Allegretto.
Level: I
Petersburger Schlittenfahrt (The Petersburg Sleigh Ride), Op. 57
Leipzig: August Cranz, 1951.
A lighthearted march in the salon style. Primo hands play mostly in unison while secondo plays a typical boom-chick-boom-chick march-style accompaniment.
Level: I
Reve du bal (Dream of the Ball), Op. 155
Leipzig: Otto Forberg, 1894.
Intermezzo-Valse in A Major.
Level: I
Serenade mauresque, Op. 163
Leipzig: August Cranz, 1894.
Level: UI
Eisfeld, Theodor (1816–1882), Germany
German composer and conductor. Served as conductor of the New York Philharmonic Society (later known as the New York Philharmonic).
Polacca de Concert in B♭ Major
Marked “Allegro molto vivace.” A virtuosic showpiece.
Level: A
Eklund, Jennifer, United States
American pianist, composer, and teacher. Holds degrees from California State University, Long Beach.
Midnight Waltz
Costa Mesa, CA: Piano Pronto Publishing, 2014.
A plaintive and lyrical duet in the key of A minor.
Level: LI
Rising Star
Costa Mesa, CA: Piano Pronto Publishing, 2014.
Teacher-student duet.
Level: I/E
Rockin’ the Boat
Costa Mesa, CA: Piano Pronto Publishing, 2014.
A jazzy teacher-student duet. Can also be performed by a combination of intermediate and elementary level pianists.
Level: I/E
Strolling
Costa Mesa, CA: Piano Pronto Publishing, 2014.
Gracious and somewhat sentimental.
Level: LI/E
Ellen, Barbara
Dance Suite Now
Boulder, CO: Myklas Music, 1978.
Level: UE–LI
The Giant and the Cricket
Boulder, CO: Myklas Music, 1977.
Parakeets
Boulder, CO: Myklas Music, 1977.
There is interest and activity for both parts in these three appealing little pieces.
Level: UE
Ski Slope
Boulder, CO: Myklas Music, 1975.
Short, lively teaching piece; antiphonal scale passages. Optional parts for rhythm sticks.
Level: E
Elliott, Robert (1932–2002), England
English composer; studied at Royal College of Music and Royal Manchester College of Music.
Fantasie sur un motif de sarabande, Op. 3
London: Novello, 1957.
Rather short, but effective, slow-moving work in placid modal linear idiom; parts are well distributed; a pleasant work.
Level: UE–LI
Elsner, Ksawery Józef (Joseph Xaver) (1768–1854), Poland
Polish conductor and composer of German origin; teacher of Chopin at Warsaw Conservatory. He wrote operas, sacred music, piano pieces, orchestral works, and chamber music.
Cinq polonaises (only C, f, G for four hands)
Leipzig: Kühnel, 1807.
Bracing, vigorous settings in Classical style with interesting chromaticisms; two of the polonaises are reworkings of operatic themes.
Level: I–UI
Emery, Stephen Albert (1845–1891), United States
American teacher, critic, and author. He composed church music, songs, and piano pieces.
Apfelblüthen Walzer (Apple-Blossom Waltzes), Op. 14
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1868; Chicago: Henry Tolman, ca. 1868.
Suite of five waltzes in salon style.
Level: I
An Evening at Home, eight easy four-hand pieces (Before the Fire; A Story of the War; The Sister Plays; The Mother’s Story; Children and Kittens; The Sleeping Boy; Evening Song; Quiet Rest), Op. 26
Boston: White, Smith & Perry, 1870.
Short instructional pieces.
Level: UE–LI/E-5
Emonts, Fritz (1920–2003), Germany
German composer, pianist, and pedagogue. Author of “The European Piano Method.”
Frohliche Tanze nach alten Weisen (Festive Dances Old Ways)
Mainz: Schott.
Intended as a continuation of “Let’s Play Duets.” Equal part arrangements of seventeenth century dances.
Level: I
Let’s Play Duets
Mainz: Schott.
Easy instructional student-teacher duets.
Level: I/E
Enckhausen, Heinrich (1799–1885), Germany
German organist; composed an opera, sacred music, and many instructional works for piano.
Elementar-Unterricht, Op. 58
Hanover: Nagel, 1842.
Four volumes.
Level: I–UI
Instructive melodische Tonstücke, Op. 84
Eisleben: Kuhnt, 1852; New Edition, École de piano, collection de morceaux mélodiques et progressives, Op. 84. Durand; Hamelle; Heugel.
Vingt petits morceaux, faciles et progressifs, Op. 72
Paris: Hamelle, n.d.
Level: UE–LI/E-5
Sonatas (C, F), Op. 71
Paris: Hamelle, 1848.
Variations brillantes sur un thème original, Op. 27
Offenbach: André, n.d.
Salon piece; abundance of scales and passages work with little thematic development.
Level: I
Variations faciles et brillantes sur un air autrichien (G), Op. 33
Offenbach: André, 1878.
Similar in style and idiom to Op. 27, but somewhat easier.
Level: UE–LI
Variations sur l’air favori suisse “Steh’ nur auf, du Lieber Schweizerbue,” Op. 42
Publisher and date missing.
Enesco, Georges (George Enescu) (1881–1955), Romania
Romanian-born violinist and composer. He wrote in a strongly individual post-Romantic style that incorporated Romanian folk elements.
Aubade
Paris: Enoch, n.d.
Engelmann, H.
Four Hand Album for the Pianoforte
Philadelphia: Presser, 1917.
Engelmann, Hans (1872–1914), Germany
German composer of popular music.
Young Sentinel
Florence, KY: Willis Music, 1918; published in Four-Hand Recreations.
A march with contrasting maestoso trio section.
Level: I
Engle, David, United States
Pen name: Geoffrey Carroll.
Washington’s Victory
Florence, KY: Willis Music, 1987.
With the underlying battle narrative, the composer imitates drums and fifes and quotes Revolutionary War melodies, including “God Save the King” and “British Grenadiers.”
Level: UI–LA
Enke, Heinrich (1811–1859)
Sechs melodische Uebungsstücke (Romanze; Hongroise; Andante cantabile; Polonaise; Tarantella; Polka), Op. 6
Leipzig: VEB Peters, 1957; Ricordi.
Six pièces mélodiques (Barcarolle; Berceuse; Galop; Romance; Valse; Marche funèbre), Op. 8
Leipzig: VEB Peters, 1957; Ricordi.
Both Op. 6 and Op. 8 are well-written, attractive instructional pieces; useful teaching material.
Level: UE–LI/E-5
Enslin, Philipp
Marche (C)
Offenbach: André, n.d.
Erb, Joseph Marie (1860–1944), France
French composer and teacher. He wrote operas, symphonic and sacred music, chamber works, and piano pieces.
Six pièces, Op. 6
Paris: Hamelle, n.d.
Erdmannsdörfer, Max (1848–1905), Germany
Bavarian conductor and teacher. He wrote choral works, chamber music, and piano pieces.
Nordseebilder each Heines Liederzyklus Die Nordsee, Op. 15
Berlin: Ries Erler, 1873.
Erich, F.
When Johnny Comes Marching Home
Boston: A. P. Schmidt, 1927.
Instructional piece; not an arrangement of the famous Civil War tune.
Level: LI
Esch, Louis von (late eighteenth century)
Echos & Air Sylphes, a grand duo
London: Broderip and Wilkinson, n.d.
Impromptu Duo
London: Broderip & Wilkinson, ca. 1800.
A Military Divertimento
London: Broderip & Wilkinson, n.d.
Il passo tempo, containing Un petit délassement, Pastorale & Rondo a la Savoyard
London: Preston, ca. 1781–89.
Cheerful suite of short pieces in thin Classical idiom; melodies are trite and the harmony is shallow.
Level: I
Esipoff, Stepán (pseud. of Arthur Bransby Burnard) (1858–1906)
Forest Flowers, six easy duets for young players (Au revoir; Dancing on the Green; Harvest Song; Legend; Lullaby; Sunshine)
Boston: Oliver Ditson, 1907.
Essex, Timothy (1765–1847), England
English composer and musician.
Twelve Dances, as duetts for two performers (Gary Owen; College Hornpipe; Drops of Brandy; Sir David Hunter Blair’s Reel; La Dansomanie; Lady Mary Ramsay; Go to the Devil and Shake Yourself; Mrs. Casey; Madame del Caro’s Hornpipe; Moll in the Wad; The New Rigg’d Ship; Irish Washerwoman)
London: G. Walker, 17[??].
Easy arrangements of late eighteenth-century popular dance tunes.
Level: E–LI
A Duett for Two Performers, Op. 2
London: Published by composer, n.d.
A Grand Duett, for two performers on one pianoforte with accompaniment for two flutes, Op. 9
London: Birchall, Broderip & Wilkinson, n.d.
L’Éventail de Jeanne (Jeanne’s Fan)
A ballet for which various movements of the music were contributed by respected French composers of the day. Half the pieces in this cooperative production appeared as piano solos; the remaining five—by Marcel Delannoy, Pierre Ferroud, Maurice Ravel, Albert Roussel, and Florent Schmitt—were for four hands. The ballet was performed privately in 1927 using the piano accompaniments. Because of certain awkward and unpianistic passages, some of the four-hand pieces appear to be sketches for an orchestration of the work that was made after 1927. All five of the four-hand pieces are listed in the Heugel catalog as transcriptions.
Ettling, Emile (1817–1881), France
Suite des valses sur “Le prophete,” Op. 29
Paris: Brandus, 1850.
Level: UI
Evans, Bill G. (1929–1980), United States
American jazz pianist, composer, and arranger. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in piano performance from North Texas State University. Served on the piano faculty at West Texas State University.
Jazz Tributes
San Diego: Neil A. Kjos Music, 1988.
Nine pieces written in tribute to famous jazz musicians including Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, and Dave Brubeck. Abundant syncopated rhythms and swung eighths. Accessible introduction to the jazz style for intermediate students.
Level: I–UI
Mixed Bag
San Diego: Neil A. Kjos Music, 1989.
Titles: Ivory Waltz; Greek Dance; Reverie; Tarantella; Cattoca; Lope Along Blues. A collection of six varied and brief duets with jazz influence. Mixed meters are used in Greek Dance, Tarantella, and Cattoca.
Level: UE–I
Evans, Lee, United States
Composer and jazz pianist. Holds degrees from New York University and Columbia University. Professor of Music at Pace University.
Jazz Pizzazz
Piano Plus / Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 1993.
Student-teacher duets in jazz style.
Level I/E
Razzle Dazzle Jazz Anatomy: Duets with Pizzazz in Pops ’n Jazz
Piano Plus / Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 2005.
Student-teacher duets in jazz style.
Razzle Dazzle: 27 Pupil/Teacher Duets
Edward B. Marks Company/ Milwaukee: Hal Leonard, 1985.
Student-teacher duets in jazz style.
Evensen, Bernt Kasberg (b. 1944), Norway
A largely self-taught composer, he studied briefly at the Oslo Conservatory of Music and the University of Oslo. He served on the faculty of the University of Oslo in 1966.
Kjerring med brukket stav (Hag with Broken Stick)
Oslo: MIC (Music Information Centre) Norsk, 2007.
Level: A
Ewing, Montague (1890–1957), England
British composer of light music.
Amid the Tulips
Bryn Mawr, PA: Presser, n.d.
Level: UE–LI
Three Cameos (Airs and Graces; Porcelain People; Tambouretta)
London: Francis, Day & Hunter, 1949.
Graceful, well-balanced little instructional pieces.
Level: UE–LI
Royal Suite (Command Performance; Ghosts of the Palace Ballroom; A Naval Occasion)
Melbourne: Allans Music, 1953.
Short, pleasant instructional pieces.
Level: LI
Ezell, Helen Ingle (1903–1985), United States
American pianist, teacher, and composer. Studied at the University of Oklahoma and Columbia University.
We Two
Boston: Boston Music, n.d.