Four-handed tour of Europe
Louis Zett's pieces for two players of roughly equal ability are characterized by a variety of moods as well as rhythmic and melodic challenges.
"12 imaginative folk song arrangements for piano 4 hands" is the subtitle of the booklet Across Europe of the composer and teacher Luis Zett. His many publications are as diverse and multifaceted as his biography. For this collection, he has tapped into the diversity of European folk music and the melodic richness of the folk song. Whether the so-called "gypsy scale" and unusual time signatures (e.g. 7/8 or constant changes) in the Slavic area or the different basic moods from rather melancholic to cheerful and funny depending on the region: all these peculiarities make the pieces colorful and varied.
The four-hand arrangements are carefully and finely crafted. They surprise again and again with colourful harmonizations and rhythmic variety. I particularly like the "intermezzi" inserted between the verses. In these passages, he takes up melodic and rhythmic elements from the songs and dances and plays around with them freely. The pieces are of medium difficulty and make roughly equal demands in both parts. In my opinion, they are therefore very suitable for bringing together two pupils with similar abilities for a musically and pianistically stimulating discussion. I think it's a shame that there are no fingerings. However, this could be a worthwhile learning area in lessons. The comments on the individual pieces are helpful for understanding.
Luis Zett: Across Europe. 12 imaginative folk song arrangements for piano four hands, EB 8857, € 20.90, Breitkopf & Härtel, Wiesbaden 2016
