Mark Hayes Online Store : Keyboard Collections

 

This patriotic extravanganza for four pianos will truly move and delight your audiences. This extended work lasts approximately 8:15 minutes. The settings of "Dixie" and "Yankee Doodle" contribute elements of whimsy and lightness. In contrast, the approach to "America, the Beautiful" highlights the simple, yet profound, beauty of this loved melody, supported by some non-traditional harmonies. The middle, developmental section is a musical metaphor for the painful and devastating conflict associated with the American Civil War. Underscoring the tragedy of this conflict is the first statement of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" with its minor modality and dissonance. The final, technically demanding 12/8 section concludes the piece on a triumphant high note, like a bullet-train going at breakneck speed through the dark to the light of the dawn that awaits it at its ultimate destination. Perfect for multiple piano festivals, concerts, patriotic emphases, and worship settings, this arrangement will be a rewarding challenge for pianists. LEVEL: Advanced