Dances and Dreams

Dances and Dreams is a set of pieces for solo piano written for my piano teacher, mentor, and friend, Marcantonio Barone. Composed in 2002 during my senior year of high school, the suite alternates between 'dance' movements, relying heavily on rhythm and quick tempi, and 'dream' movements, which are more pensive and melodic in nature. The piece shows the early influence of two major composers of student piano literature in the twentieth century, Bartok and Debussy.

Movements:
Dance One - Allegro
Dream One - Reverie
Dance Two - Presto
Dream Two - In Fifths
Dance Three - Lively
Dream Three - In Blue
Dance Four - Vivace

Performance History -

Jordan Nelson, piano
August 18, 2005; Aspen Music Festival, Aspen, CO

Marcantonio Barone, piano; Jordan Nelson's Senior Recital
December 4, 2005; Yale University, New Haven, CT

Marcantonio Barone, piano; Marcantonio Barone in concert
September 24, 2002; Crosslands at Longwood, Kennett Square, PA

premiere:
Marcantonio Barone, piano; Marcantonio Barone in concert
September 14, 2002; Harcum College, Bryn Mawr, PA

Dream One - Reverie

Dance Three - Lively

Marcantonio Barone - piano