Broadening the Repertoire,
Women Composers: A Graded Anthology for Piano
Edited by pianist, author, teacher, and composer Melanie Spanswick, the three-volume series Women Composers: A Graded Anthology for Piano is a new progressive compendium of educational literature. Over the centuries women have lacked a prominent voice within the music industry, and thankfully now there is a distinct movement to address the gender imbalance throughout the arts. Many women composers throughout the centuries are now being re-discovered, and anthologies such as these help to redress the balance.
The repertoire included in the anthologies spans from the seventeenth century to the present day, with composers from all over the world. The three anthologies combined contain two pieces by Melanie Spanswick herself, and fifty works by fifty female composers. Twelve of these are living contemporary composers.
Progressively graded, volume one features easier pieces, and by volume three pieces are much more challenging and advanced. For each piece Spanswick has written short introductions, rehearsal tips, metronome markings, fingerings, pedalling, and biographical notes, making these books an indispensable addition to lessons and concerts.
Women Composers: A Graded Anthology for Piano
Book one is suitable for beginner to early intermediate level pianists. Containing twenty-one pieces split into three levels: Elementary, late elementary, and early intermediate. Composers in this volume include: Elisabetta de Gambarini, Florence Ada Goodrich, Narcisa Freixas, Felicitas Kukuck, Barbara Heller, Melanie Spanswick, Rachael Forsyth, Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre, Marjory Kennedy-Fraser, Hedwige Chrétien, Gertrud Orff-Willert, Ivana Loudová, Wendy Hiscocks, Vera Mohrs, Anna Bon, Maria Szymanowska, Elfrida Andrée, Agathe Backer, Ethel Smyth, and Samantha Ward.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Book two contains nineteen pieces split into three sections: intermediate, late-intermediate, and early advanced. Composers in this volume include: Elizabeth Turner, Louise Farrenc, Luise Adolpha Le Beau , Cécile Chaminade, Mon Schjelderup, Dora Pejačević, Jenni Pinnock, Maria Teresa Agnesi, Hélène de Montgeroult, Helene Liebmann, Helen Hopekirk, Anna Severine Lindeman, Melanie Spanswick, Maria Hester Park, Cecilia Maria Barthélemon, Maria Görres, Theodora Dutton, Julia Hülsmann, and Jessica Cho.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Book three contains twelve pieces at advanced, and late-advanced level. Composers in this volume include: Marianna von Martinez, Chiquinha Gonzaga, Amy Beach, Lili Boulanger, Tatjana Komarova, Mai Fukasawa, Fanny Hense, Clara Schumann, Teresa Carreño, Lady Viola Kinney, Vítězslava Kaprálová, and Chaya Czernowin.
Available Format: Sheet Music
More by Melanie Spanswick
Melanie Spanswick is a pianist, author, teacher, composer, and widely experienced examiner and adjudicator. Her expertise in the field of music education can be seen in the publications she has written and edited for the international market to critical acclaim. You can find some of these publications below.
Ideal for returning pianists, Play it again: Piano will reunite you with the keyboard using real pieces from the piano repertoire to teach specific techniques and tips, to get you playing fluently once again. The level of pieces in this first book progresses from around elementary to intermediate level. Each piece is accompanied by two full pages of easy-to-understand practice tips, all designed to get your fingers speeding comfortably across the keys once again!
Books two and three are also available
Available Format: Sheet Music
A String of Pearls is a five-movement suite for piano duet. Written in 2017 for the Darina Piano Duo, the duet is intended for pianists who particularly enjoy playing expressive and evocative music with a hint of minimalism. The minimalist style is often associated with music featuring repetitive structures or note patterns. Each movement represents a different pearl, reflecting the precious jewel’s characteristics as well as its corresponding symbolism.
Available Format: Sheet Music
A collection of twelve original piano pieces of intermediate difficulty that are easy to learn and great fun to play. This selection includes beautiful melodies and inspiring harmonies which will paint vivid pictures in the players mind. Suitable for both young and adult pianists and perfect for lessons and concerts!
Available Format: Sheet Music
Simply Driven is a collection of five pieces for advanced to virtuoso level pianists. Each piece has a completely different character, whilst still reflecting minimalist influences.
Available Format: Sheet Music
First Repertoire for Little Pianists is a series of delightful, original piano works for children from beginner to preparatory level. Comprising 25 performance pieces that may also be used to supplement a method, each book in the series provides a treasure trove of meticulously graded music, bursting with imagination and inventiveness. Both books feature piano solos, solos with teacher accompaniment, and pupil duets that will motivate further study and foster a love for music-making.
Book two is also available here.
Available Format: Sheet Music
Ellena Taylor - Sheet Music and Books Manager
