Preview: Piano Sonata for the Left Hand Alone, "Mano Sinistra" Op.5
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Piano Sonata for the Left Hand Alone, "Mano Sinistra" Op.5
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SKU: S0.609089
Composed by Salim Haddad. 21st Century,Contemporary Classical,Post-Romantic,Modern,Technique Training. Score. 14 pages. Published by Salim Haddad (S0.609089).A dark and challenging work for the single hand. The whole range of the keyboard is used, as semiquaver passages rise above thundering chords and octaves, and streak down into a chromatic storm. A brief melodic passage appears at 1:32 of the MP3 recording. Surrounded above and below by rapid notes, it culminates in a bass declamation. Several climactic passages appear, each one longer and more demanding than the last and leading to the coda at 8:17: a section beginning with semiquavers and building in dynamics. This in turn leads to the crux at 8:37, a fiery and treacherous passage of great power. The section at 5:26 is the most extended climax before the final one. Others are at 3:12 and 4:16. The work ends abruptly after a short chromatic outburst.
As with several other of my compositions, Sorabji was the dominating influence – his Transcendental Studies in particular. Ravel was another influence, namely his Left Hand Concerto and Gaspard de la Nuit. Liszt and Alkan were also sources of inspiration.
The Sonata was completed and recorded recently by the composer. The title, “Mano Sinistra”, is Italian for left hand – the latter word is also Latin for left-handed, but took on darker meanings which survive in the English word “sinister.” - a fitting title. Unlike my first piece in this medium, an Etude published on this site, I scored this work on one stave. I feel it is effective for concert performance and a valuable addition to this repertoire.
Here is the YouTube link to my video performance of this piece: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbxQvTzfeN4
Salim Haddad, Canadian composer and pianist.
Salim is mainly self-taught on the piano, having started this instrument at the age of 20 and worked on his own for six years. A grade ten level (RCM) was achieved. He then enrolled in music school for a year, further improving through participation in recitals and master classes. He also taught himself composition and has written music for piano and organ.
Both concert pianists and advanced students will benefit from learning this extended work for the left hand. Salim is currently working on more scores for this instrument and for the organ. They will be posted when they are complete. On the site below you may view performances of his piano works, as well as those of other composers.
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