Helen Marlais
Pianist, Pedagogue, Pedagogical author.
The Phantasie Variations, Op. 12 were commissioned by Phyllis Alpert Lehrer for her Merkin Hall Debut Concert near Lincoln Center in 1980. The piece uses two 12-tone rows, opening with the first row in retrograde, as if regressing back into a subconscious dream state. The rows go through many transformations stylistically in a variety of...
This engaging and accessible contemporary sonata has a broad emotional range and is full of intensity. Each of its four movements makes a strong statement with relatively few notes. “I have used the 12-tone language in my own unique way.” – Rahbee. The fourth movement, “Toccata,” is often performed as a solo; the arm clusters...
Rahbee’s Piano Sonata No. 2 is an appealing piece in the contemporary genre. Its wide-ranging expressive array is filled with fervor. The sonata’s untraditional tonalities allow the advanced student to experience a broader sense of musical expression. The first movement is rhapsodic in nature, the second is a playful scherzando, the third is warm and...
Premiered at Carnegie Hall in 2004, this adventurous one-movement work provides a variety of contrasting experiences for both the performer and their audience. Subtitled “Odyssey,” this piece presents a full range of moods and emotions that will challenge and inspire any pianist.
“Extremely positive in nature” has been said to describe the character of Piano Sonata No. 4 Op. 128.. The energy of this four-movement sonata is derived from its maestoso first movement – ?executed with feelings of happiness-and proceeded by its molto energico e presto second movement – ?performed with joy and excitement. The third movement,...
Book 8, the last book in the series, features challenging rhythms that occur in early advanced/advanced music such as 3 vs 2 and 2 vs 3. Students read pieces with two-octave scales, ledger lines, syncopation and counterpoint in many different keys. Transposing and harmonizing skills are reinforced. The student is always encouraged to plan before...
The repertoire in The Festival Collection® Book 8 was selected for its superior artistic and pedagogical merit. The wide selection encompasses the finest pieces from the Baroque to Contemporary eras that meet the musical and technical needs of the advancing pianist. Based on Urtext sources and original manuscripts, these compositions are ideal for recitals, festivals,...
