La Barcarola by Tom Gerou is an early advanced piano solo that captures the gentle rocking motion and lyrical charm of a Venetian gondolier’s song. Traditionally, a barcarole conveys the rhythmic sway of a boat through lilting compound duple meter, and Gerou’s composition beautifully mirrors this tranquil movement.
Set in D-flat major, the piece features a flowing melody over broken-chord accompaniment, layered dynamics, and expressive pedal techniques such as half-pedal, syncopated pedaling, and nuanced use of the sostenuto pedal to sustain melodic tones while keeping the accompaniment clear.
Students refine control and expressiveness through double-stemmed melodies, double notes, octaves, and diatonic scale passages woven with 16th- and 32nd-note figures. Marked “Lentamente, con tranquillità sfumata” (slowly, with nuanced calmness), the piece invites poetic phrasing and tonal balance. Expressive terms such as ritenuto, perdendosi, and sostenuto e cantabile guide the performer toward a resonant, singing tone.
Ideal for recitals or artistic study, La Barcarola provides a rich opportunity to explore color, touch, and pedal control within a serene and expressive Romantic style.
—Part of the Tom Gerou Collection at TOMGEROUMUSIC.COM®
