Beach: Three Pieces, Opus 128

Written in 1928, Amy Beach’s Three Pieces, Op. 128, present a departure from the grand Romanticism of her earlier works. The set’s first and third pieces are notably concise, featuring transparent textures and more dissonant harmonies, reflecting a more modern sensibility. Despite their understated nature, Beach was so fond of these pieces that she performed them twice at the White House, in 1934 and 1936. The titles—Scherzino (A Peterborough Chipmunk), Young Birches, and A Hummingbird—capture the whimsy and delicacy of her musical portrayal of nature.

The included Practice & Performance remarks by Dr. Mitchell provide valuable insight into the technical and interpretive challenges these pieces present. These remarks serve as a guide to exploring dynamics, touch, rhythm, pedaling, and expression, while encouraging the pianist to discover their own creative approach. A broader immersion in ragtime, through careful study and listening to quality recordings, will further enhance the pianist’s understanding and performance of these engaging works.