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Complete set
Title by uploader: Eight Pieces, Op.85
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Movement(s) |
1 to 8 from 8 |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
The cycle of eight piano pieces, consisting of «Dream», «Scherzino», «Butterfly», «Humoresque», «Memoirs», «Novelette», «Albumleaf» and «Song Without Words», was written by the composer supposedly between 1900-1910s – in the period of flowering creativity, and at the height of his fame. These small-scale pieces are written in binary and ternary forms. Exceptions are «Humoresque», «Novelette» and «Song Without Words» (compound binary and ternary forms). Despite the small size and contrasting expression of the miniatures, the cycle is harmonious and structurally integrate. The works have various playing techniques and means of musical expression, different tempos, forms, keys and times. Nevertheless Huber forms invisible bonds between the first and the last miniatures, thereby binding the entire cycle. This is possible, thanks to the fact that «Dream» and «Song Without Words» are written in the same key, similar tempos and forms. Simple titles are probably inspired by memories of the composer. The lyrical or comical character of the pieces, showed with remarkable accuracy by the author and joyous major keys make this cycle astonishingly «alive» and picturesque.
Despite its seeming simplicity, each miniature has its individual and unique character, attracting a genuine interest and requiring the full attention of the performer.
No.1 Dream
Title by uploader: Dream from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.1
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
C major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
The first piece of the cycle is the smallest one. The composer puts its significant content into ternary form. The way of its interpretation resembles a prelude. Three parts in a simple form are logically related to each other, forming the architectonical integrity. The light, dreamy character, melody in the middle register, slow tempo, plenty of long notes and slightly dimed dynamics give the piece refinement and originality. There is the wonderful world of dreams and fantasies behind the seeming simplicity of the miniature.
No.2 Scherzino
Title by uploader: Scherzino from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.2
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
A major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
Scherzino – is the second piece from a cycle of eight piano miniatures. It is written in ternary form with a considerable coda.
The title of the piece causes the use of rapid tempo, upper register, staccato, short note durations and short melodic phrases. The dominant types of dynamics are piano and pianissimo.
All these means of musical expression help to create a light, playful and joyous musical image.
Including this piece into his concert program, the performer has the opportunity to demonstrate his virtuosic playing skills.
No.3 Butterfly
Title by uploader: Butterfly from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.3
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
F sharp major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Advanced |
The miniature "Butterfly", ("Papillon") is written in a simple ternary form with coda. The first and the third parts have a light, soaring character. Using the fast tempo, short notes, changes of dynamic nuances and the upper register composer creates the effect of fluttering wings of a butterfly and embellishes the piece with the unique musical color. The middle part is the development. Here in the foreground is already the feeling of vigilance, a certain gloom, "exaggeration", change of tonality. Reprise and coda return the general feeling of the play.
Despite all the technical difficulties (the abundance of short notes duration, fast tempo, syncopated rhythm, frequent changes of registers); the piece is of a great interest both for beginners and professional musicians.
No.4 Humoreske
Title by uploader: Humoreske from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.4
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
B minor |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
The piece is written in contrasting compound ternary form and its parts are written in simple ternary form. Humorous and playful character of the first and the third part of the play is showed by use of the fast tempo, staccato, sharp changes of dynamics, stress of the weak beats and octave leaps of the melody. The middle part has a more smooth voice leading and muted dynamics. Only syncopation that give to the sound the «stuttered» character testify the former fervor of the piece. Reprise returns the listener into the world of humor, increasing the impression of playfulness. The miniature is not difficult technically, but it deserves intently attention of performers because of its strong musical expressiveness.
No.5 Souvenir
Title by uploader: Souvenir (Ein Gedenkblatt), Op.85 No.5
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
A flat major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
Souvenir is the fifth piano miniature from a cycle of eight piano pieces. It is written in ternary form.
The character of the music is joyous, quiet and lyrical. The composer achieves this using a slow tempo and rhythmic ostinato in the accompaniment. But at the same time the music is full of inner movement and expression, achieved through quite frequent changes of dynamic nuances and compression of textures at the moment of culmination.
Performer must pay attention to the melody, which is first in the part for the left hand and then moves into the middle register. Repetitions and octave doublings occur in both hands at the climax of the work.
No.6 Novelletta
Title by uploader: Novelletta from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.6
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
B flat major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
This peace is written in compound ternary form. Acuity, decisiveness and straightness of the first and the third parts are smoothed over by the soft, melodious second part, where the aggressive sound changes into numerous legatos. Chordal style is replaced by arpeggio. Such a contrast of miniatures is accentuated by the dynamic nuances and various techniques of interpretation.
This piece satisfies both the inexperienced and advanced musicians.
No.7 Album Leaf
Title by uploader: Album Leaf from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.7
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
A flat major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Advanced |
The piece is written in ternary form. The slow tempo, «sighing» melody motions in the middle register and a simple formula of the accompaniment emphasize the dreamy nature of the first section of the miniature. The development is characterized by the chord doubling in the upper register, shifts of the melody into different octaves, and the expansion of the range. In the recapitulation a «spreading», and «scattering» of the melodic line and the whole texture takes place. With the syncopated rhythm it looses its «sighing» character and tinges with a certain detachment. For all its seeming simplicity and diminutiveness the piece has a rather capacious content, which makes it very interesting for performers of different levels.
No.8 Song without Words
Title by uploader: Song without Words from Eight Pieces, Op.85 No.8
Instrumentation |
Piano |
Scored for |
Solo |
Type of score |
For a single performer |
Key |
C major |
Publisher |
BelaBios |
Difficulty |
Medium |
A small virtuosic piece is written in compound binary form with introduction (each of its parts has binary form). At the heart of the whole work is one theme. Just as the verse in the song, it undergoes several changes. As far as the melody develops it moves into different registers, becomes saturated with syncopated rhythmical and melodic second parts, octave doublings, various dynamic nuances and performing techniques. Arpeggio accompanies the main theme in the second part. The «calm» culmination of the work falls on virtuosic cadence, which thematically refers to the overture. The whole work is written in moderate tempo and in the same key.
Wild Rose 23 Sep 2009 15:04
Every time I’m down I start to play Scherzino by Huber. And each time, after playing for a short while, my sadness and tiredness disappear somewhere. The wonderful world of an easy humor, children's jokes and harmless smile lies in this little piece with such a simple title.
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