Opinions on Griffes Tone Pictures Op.5?

[verywellmister]

Has anyone heard or play Griffes Tone Pictures?
At first glance they look hard but looking closer they don't seem to bad.  Or are they?  The Tone Pictures do sound nice.  Would you say they are tough interpretively?

Any opinions?  I have never heard Impressionistic music by an American composer.

[pianistimo]

is there an arrangement only for piano or is this for piano and orchestra.  i listened on amazon to the orchestrated version and thought it might sound different if it was only for piano because of the open orchestration.  it highlights the different instrument sounds.  'the night winds' is very virtuosic sounding.

i liked the 'feel' of 'the lake at evening.'  'the vale of dreams' was very vague.  he's definately an interesting composer, though.

[jre58591]

i havent heard these pieces for quite some time, but i remember them being very nice and light. the first one kinda reminded me of ravels le gibet, whose resemblance i liked very much. this would have the least challenges. the 2nd one was a pretty intense piece, yet still very atmospheric. that one is still not very difficult. the 3rd is just a matter of arpeggios, but it is the toughest of the three. overally, these pieces arent very tough technically, but they may be difficult to interpret properly if you havent been exposed to other impressionist pieces.

[dbrainiak914]

This is GREAT music.  Griffes is pretty much THE American impressionist composer, although he's still composed in many other styles.  I've played the Lake at Evening... it's a wonderful piece, especially played in the quiet night.  Night Winds is pretty tough, but such a great-sounding piece.  

Check out his Roman Sketches Op. 7.  The White Peacock is an excellent intro to his impressionist music.  I almost prefer Fountains of Acqua Paola to Jeux D'eau.  Clouds and Nightfall are wonderful as well.

Fantasy Pieces Op. 6 are superb, especially the Scherzo... dynamite stuff.

Or if you're slightly maniacal, look at his Sonata.  Not impressionist in the least bit, but soooo awesome.

[verywellmister]

I will look into the Sonata.

Do you think someone who plays Mendelssohn Rondo Capriccioso could handle 'The Night Winds'?

WOW thx 4 the quick replies

[dbrainiak914]

I think so.  To me, his stuff is seems easier to learn than pieces that sound as difficult.  Sheets are available on www.sheetmusicarchive.net.

Now that I think of it, I tackled his Scherzo Op. 6 No. 3 right after learning the Mendelssohn Op. 14... I really think you should look into that piece.  So much fun to play.