Composer

:

William Bolcom

Genre

:

Keyboard

Average_duration

:

4:51

"The Brooklyn Dodge ('A James P. Johnson Stride')" is a piano composition by American composer William Bolcom. It was composed in 1975 and premiered the same year by Bolcom himself. The piece is a tribute to James P. Johnson, a prominent figure in the development of stride piano, a style of jazz piano playing that emerged in the 1920s. The composition consists of three movements, each of which showcases different aspects of stride piano. The first movement, titled "The Brooklyn Dodge," is a lively and energetic piece that features fast, syncopated rhythms and intricate melodic lines. The second movement, "A James P. Johnson Stride," is a slower, more contemplative piece that highlights the expressive potential of stride piano. The final movement, "The Brooklyn Dodge (Reprise)," returns to the fast-paced energy of the first movement, bringing the composition to a thrilling conclusion. One of the defining characteristics of "The Brooklyn Dodge ('A James P. Johnson Stride')" is its use of stride piano techniques. Stride piano is characterized by a left-hand accompaniment that alternates between bass notes and chords, while the right hand plays syncopated melodies and improvisations. Bolcom's composition showcases these techniques in a virtuosic and inventive way, demonstrating his mastery of the style. Overall, "The Brooklyn Dodge ('A James P. Johnson Stride')" is a lively and engaging tribute to James P. Johnson and the tradition of stride piano. Its three movements showcase the range and versatility of the style, while Bolcom's virtuosic performance highlights his own skill as a pianist and composer.

More....