Aylesford Pieces No. 1 - Overture

About this work

The overture from the Aylesford Pieces moves between two kinds of keyboard writing. The opening Maestoso sets out chords and dotted rhythms; the Allegro in 6/8 then sends quicker figures between the hands. Articulation gives this contrast its character as much as tempo does.

In the opening, let long notes last for their full value and keep the short values precise. The fermata prepares the change of movement. Before continuing, hear the new pulse inwardly: two broad beats can carry the six quavers of each 6/8 bar. This helps the fast figures move forward without turning every note into an equal accent.

Practise each hand of the Allegro separately, then combine them while listening for the line with the moving figure. That role passes between the staves, and the accompanying hand needs to leave it audible. Towards the close, the figures continue answering each other before the cadence and final chord.
Score and files
Two-page PDF and MIDI from Bas Wassink’s Mutopia typesetting, based on the Schott edition of 1930. The typesetting is declared public domain. The score is suitable for piano or harpsichord; the PDF includes ornaments and articulation markings.

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