Chucky Vs. Chucky - Round II

No no no, not this guy. I meant the two Americans named Charles. Ives and Griffes are their names. However, their music at times can sound like some of the soundtrack to Chucky's movies. Take Griffes' Piano Sonata for example, it has an almost savage third movement which comes to a racing close. So here it is, spend a minute (well it's fifteen minutes long) and listen to some of it:

Here is part I

Here is part II

Now if you listen to the very beginning you'll notice it has quite the "Bite". Before you start to play it the first thing you notice is the tempo or expression marking; feroce (scary). Like I already said, it sounds like something from one of Chucky's movies. I really have an affinity for this work and would like to hear it more. I think that it would be great on anyone's program who is needing some 20th century work. Apart from the KILLER sonata, Griffes wrote his Op. 7 or Roman Sketches. This set includes two very nice pieces: The White Peacock and The Fountain of Acqua Paola. These shorter works are very impressionistic and work well for competitions and recitals. For studying, the White Peacock has some rhythm difficulties as well as performing it as a whole (this piece has an overarching shape that must be outlined for the audience).

So what about Ives? He had a great deal of ideas. For one, as a child, he listened to his father's marching bands. This constant sound of brass and percussion made a big impact on his compositional style. It really did! His concord sonata is his main piece for piano. I wouldn't say that I would play it, but I think that it is an interesting composition. Coming in at about 45 minutes, it could take a chunk out of your recital program. Is it worth it? Well, you can decide that.