We are excited to continue our collaboration with the New York Women Composers. This month, we spotlight composer Jane Leslie.
Bio (provided by Jane Leslie):
“New York pianist-composer Jane Leslie creates music in a blend of classical and popular styles, with beautiful melodies that convey a sense of peace to the listener. Her recordings of original piano music have been featured on the Internet, in radio broadcasts and in podcasts. Her instrumental and vocal music has been performed in concert by noted musicians. Jane Leslie has been honored with several ASCAP Awards, and holds degrees from the Juilliard School and the Manhattan School of Music.”
Featured Work: “October Song” for cello and piano
COMPOSITION DETAILS
- Title: “October Song”
- Composer: Jane Leslie
- Year of Composition: 2009
- Instrumentation: cello and piano (other arrangments for cello and harp and for solo piano)
- Movements: 1
- Duration of Work: 3 minutes
- Number of Measures: 50
- Number of pages: 6
- Tempo: moderately slow
- Difficulty Level: intermediate (but possible for a beginner – see “A Cellist’s Notes” below)
- Highest Position Reached: thumb
- Techniques Employed: Lyrical bowed legato notes, with a few bowed staccato double stops; triplets; bass and treble clef
- Publisher: Self-published (Publishing Company: Misty Harbor Music)
- Where to Purchase the Score: J.W. Pepper
- Cost of Score*: $9.99
Performance Notes
“‘October Song‘ is melodic, enjoyable, and accessible to a wide variety of listeners. The music is suitable for professional musicians, as well as Intermediate- to Advanced-level student musicians.” – Jane Leslie
A Cellist’s Notes
Everything can be played in first position except for a few of the double stops and the treble clef sections. If a beginner wanted to play this piece, he/she/they could transpose the treble clef section down an octave and leave out some of the double stops. That would comfortably place the entire piece in first position.
Recordings
Here is a computer-generated sound clip of the cello and harp version. Below is a recording of the composer, Jane Leslie, performing the solo piano version. Please let us know if you record the cello and piano or cello and harp version.
Program Notes
“Jane Leslie’s composition, “October Song” was inspired by the beautiful golden colors of autumn. This piece features a soulful, lyrical melody and a flowing accompaniment. ” – Jane Leslie
Jane Leslie’s Other Work with a Prominent Cello Part
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- “Romance” – trio for clarinet, cello, piano. Find the sheet music here.
Links
- Website
- Facebook: @JaneLeslieMusic
- YouTube: @JaneLeslieMusic
A Collaboration with the New York Women Composers (NYWC)
The NYWC series at the Cello Museum was created to showcase its members who have composed various pieces for cello, informing cellists seeking new music to add to their repertoire, and helping listeners find new favorites. Many thanks to the NYWC for this wonderful collaboration.
Read other installments in the series here.
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*Prices are accurate at the time of article publication, but the Cello Museum cannot take responsibility for subsequent price changes.
