Snapchats was originally a collection of short piano duets which was published a few years ago. The volume was republished and updated in 2019, with the inclusion of extra duets and piano trios. This new version has proved popular with both children and adult students and I always enjoy using them in my own sight-reading classes. I also use them when tutoring various piano courses.
Snapchats are intended for students from late beginner standard to approximately Grade 3 (ABRSM level). This volume includes 19 duets, which are for four hands at one keyboard, and 4 trios, which are for six hands at one keyboard. They are short and succinct pieces, ideal for those who want to explore the art of ensemble playing or simply improve reading skills.
These pieces are broadly minimalist in style. They are between 8 and 16 bars in length and offer a wide selection of moods. Some are expressive atmospheric works such as ‘Sutra’, ‘Andante’, ‘Shanti Shanti’ and ‘Joyful’. Others are up-beat numbers like ‘Quick Chat’, ‘Hopscotch’, ‘Samsara’ and ‘Take Three’. Writing very short engaging pieces was quite a challenge, but this skill proved especially useful last year when I was invited to write, compile, and edit the three pre-Grade one syllabuses for the London College of Music Examination board.
Students and teachers routinely comment on how much they enjoy the brevity and relative simplicity that these pieces offer. Both duets and trios become progressively more difficult throughout the book. ‘Celebration’ (one of the simpler duets) is featured in the Debut grade of the new RSL Classical Piano syllabus. You might choose to play Snapchats for fun with friends. Alternatively, you can perform them in a more formal setting at a music festival or recital. I hope they offer a special and enjoyable experience.
Snapchats’ publisher 80 Days Publishing was founded by renowned composer Christopher Norton. He publishes many of his own works as well as the works of other composers. I’m delighted that Chris has recently recorded the complete Snapchats Duets & Trios volume. He played each part himself and you can hear the recordings on the 80 Days Publishing Website, here. Alternatively, you can also hear them on my Soundcloud channel, here.
You can purchase the series from all good online music stories and websites including musicroom.com and prestomusic.com, or purchase the books direct from the publisher’s website by clicking on the link below:
