Verbs by New Mexico composer Kathleen Ryan
A set of 24 preludes for piano left hand alone. Book 1, containing the first 12 preludes, is now available in print.
Verbs is dedicated to pianist Keith Snell, who gave the premiere of Book 1 in November, 2007, in Farmington, New Mexico, at the state conference of the Professional Music Teachers of New Mexico.
The individual preludes in Book 1 are:
Wait — “to be in readiness or expectation.” Strong ringing tones. G minor.
Begin — “to come into being.” Hidden, very legato. D dorian.
Crackle — “to make a succession of slight sharp snapping noises; to show liveliness or brilliance.” Quick, primarily staccato and non-legato. A minor.
Weave — “to interlace into a whole; to spin, as a web.” Flowing triplet notes, with the left hand fourth and fifth fingers carrying the melody for much of the piece. The melody is based on a Native American chant. E minor.
Fling — “to throw violently; to throw (oneself) into an activity with abandon & energy.” Fast 16th notes flung across the entire keyboard. A Lydian.
Drift — “to oscillate randomly around a fixed setting.” Dreamy, and not seeming to be where it actually is. C major, after a fashion.
Play — “to move quickly or lightly.” An exuberant song in two verses. F# major.
Accuse — “to charge with a shortcoming or error.” ABA form with introduction and coda. B with a major third and a lowered second (“gypsy” scale).
Push — “to force one’s way; to urge insistently to do something.” Fast, strong sounds, reminiscent of Prokofiev. C minor.
Forgive — “to renounce anger or resentment against.” Lyrical song built above Alberti bass patterns, moving into an Impressionistic middle section. Ab major.
Zoom — “to rise rapidly; to move rapidly toward or away from.” A slightly ditzy waltz. Eb major.
Close — “to bring to an end; to draw together.” Reprising the strong ringing tones of Wait. Bb major.
Purchase Verbs Bk 1 today for only $13. ($12 for the music, $1 for shipping; New Mexico residents will need to add 6.375% GRT.)
Sign up to receive Indigo Mesa Music newsletters by email, and we’ll email you a pdf copy of Crackle in thanks!