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Songbook Review: Whisperings: The Best of David Nevue 1985-2000
David Nevue
Cover image of the songbook Whisperings: The Best of David Nevue 1985-2000 by David Nevue
Whisperings: The Best of David Nevue 1985-2000
David Nevue
2009 / Midnight Rain Productions
77 pages
Review by Kathy Parsons
Whisperings: The Best of David Nevue 1985-2000 is the long-awaited first bound collection of David Nevue’s original piano solos (he recently released the songbook for his Adoration CD). Spiral-bound for easy page turns and to keep the book from jumping off of the piano, the book is printed on a very bright white heavy stock with clear, crisp engraving and a nice roomy layout. Most of these pieces are music I have worked on with my students over the years (with David’s permission), so it’s great to have them in a beautiful book rather than trying to find them either loose or randomly placed in file folders. Many of these pieces are quite easy to play, and students love the music as well as the sense of accomplishment at being able to master “real” (as opposed to simplified) music without having to spend hours upon hours practicing to get them to sound good. The eighteen pieces are classics from David’s early career and come from his albums The Tower, The Last Waking Moment, While The Trees Sleep, and The Vigil - all of the music from the album of the same name. There is a very nice range of playing levels - from early-intermediate (“Solitude,” “The Emerald Valley,” “Ascending With Angels”) to early-advanced (“A Turn To Grace,” “Dance of the Muse,” “No More Tears”). Most of the difficulties are more complex rhythms and key signatures. There are no reaches beyond an octave, and the music is melodic and accessible. I’m thrilled to see this book finally make it into print and highly recommend it.
December 13, 2009
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