“Flight” was written by Perry in the 70s. This is a 4 page late intermediate piece that should be played in a fast tempo (presto). It explores the range of the piano from E1 to F#7. It involves lots of chromatic pitches and dissonant harmonies. The piece also has a very wide dynamic range, which makes it very exciting to play. Throughout the piece, only forte and fortissimo are marked at the beginning and the end of the score, but it allows the pianists to be creative in the middle part with dynamics. Pedal could be used in some sections with arpeggiated chord accompaniment and big chords at the end to make the sound smoother and fuller.
The tempo and the chromaticism give this piece an intense feeling. Even though the accompaniment in the left hand is steady, it sounds like there is tension in the music, and the music is waiting to “go crazy.” It ends with several big chords with E in the root; it sounds like an ending of a concerto.
Piano Potpourri is a set of piano pieces composed between 1960 and 1990. There are 15 pieces in the set. The levels of the pieces vary from elementary to late advanced. The set has a thick structure and deep emotion overall.
Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004) was an African American composer, professor and civil rights activist. She taught in some historically black colleges and universities. Her musical style is described as “music with clear, classic melodies.” She studied piano and violin in her childhood. Her most powerful musical experience was hearing Hazel Harrison (African-American pianist) in a concert.
Sources:
- Zenobia Powell Perry
- Black Grooves: Reviews of new black music releases
- Image source: Zenobia Powell Perry - Drizzle Lyrics