EARLY ADVANCED PIANO SOLO
by Tom Gerou
La Barcarola is an Early Advanced piano solo that captures the gentle rocking motion and lyrical character of a Venetian gondolier’s song. Set in D-flat major, the piece unfolds in a lilting compound duple meter, with a flowing melody supported by broken-chord accompaniment and nuanced pedal work.
Expressive techniques include half-pedal, syncopated pedaling, and use of the sostenuto pedal to sustain melodic tones while preserving clarity in the accompaniment. Students also encounter double-stemmed melodies, double notes, octaves, diatonic scale passages, and intricate 16th- and 32nd-note figures, all requiring refined control and balance.
Marked Lentamente, con tranquillità sfumata, the work calls for poetic phrasing, tonal sensitivity, and a singing melodic line. Expressive terms such as ritenuto, perdendosi, and sostenuto e cantabile guide the performer toward a serene, resonant Romantic character.
With its sophisticated pedal writing, layered textures, and expressive depth, La Barcarola is an excellent choice for recitals, artistic study, and Early Advanced pianists developing greater command of color, touch, voicing, and pedal control.
—Part of the Tom Gerou Collection at TOMGEROUMUSIC.COM®