by Michael Valenti (Author)
FIVE SONATINAS FOR PIANO "The Family Suite" Beautifully written, fun and challenging, these Sonatinas are wonderful for the aspiring piano player at the intermediate to advanced level. They are a nice fit for recitals, church services or any other event that someone might be looking for something new to perform. Published by Cimarron Music Press Program notes from the composer: The great joy for me in writing these particular piano pieces was the challenge of composing music for an entire family, the Doughty family to be exact; Brynn, the oldest daughter; Hayden, the middle child, also a girl, and Bryson, who's the youngest and a boy. All three are the children of fellow musicians Bryan and Heather Doughty. Bryan "who also happens to be my publisher" and I have become good friends over the years and when I told him about my idea of composing five sonatinas and dedicating one to each member of his family he seemed absolutely delighted. Every movement of each of these five pieces employs a different style from the movement that precedes or follows it "Baroque, ragtime, classical etc." The five sonatinas range from easy to moderately challenging. No. 1 is the simplest and written for the fairly young pianist. No. 2 is slightly more difficult with the last movement consisting of a Theme and Variations. No. 3 was composed as a tongue and cheek film score taking place in the old west employing the sounds of the cavalry, cowboys and Indians. No. 4 begins in a romantic vain and ends in a fast piano etude. No. 5 is composed in a classical style and is probably the most difficult to execute. Hopefully, all five are somewhat challenging, fun to perform and rewarding for the young pianist. Michael Valenti