"Dance," by Mable Bailey

“Dance” for piano is a 4 page piece in 6/8 time, that sometimes switches to 9/8. It is marked presto, and has the feeling of two or three larger beats per measure. The writing is rhythmic, and could be a good introduction to complicated time signatures because it is not too difficult to comprehend, but uses a variety of patterns within this meter. The first six bars have six different dynamic markings (a new one each measure), which makes the dynamic changes wildly fast. Detailed and changing dynamics continue throughout the piece. Although the harmonic language is dissonant, speechlike rhythmic motifs that repeat for a few bars at a time make the piece musically intuitive. This, along with its shortness and technical approachability, make it a great late intermediate piece.  There are frequent seconds and tritones in the harmony which make the piece sound fun and not too strict. Overall, this piece would be a great introduction to lots of musical challenges such as quick tempo, lots of dynamics, dissonance, and compound meter. 

Mable Bailey was born in 1939 in Mississippi. She grew up in California and got undergraduate degrees in music and education, and then began composing as a graduate student, studying composition at  the College of Holy Names in Oakland, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the University of Denver. She teaches music in the Denver public schools. She is a pianist and vocalist and is known for her art songs.

Sources

• Hildegard Publishing Company. Music by Women Composers.
• Photo shared by the composer