Emma Lou Diemer, Black is the Color
Emma Lou Diemer
Students will have a lot of fun with this piece. Hand clapping often replaces notes, giving the piece an extremely rhythmic feel. Diemer uses a pentatonic scale which includes only the black keys. Though students initially may find the six flats in the key signature intimidating, they will soon discover that the hand position is quite comfortable and accessible. Keeping the staccatos crisp helps keep this work energetic.
Composer/Publisher Information[]
Complete bio can be found at http://www.fjhmusic.com/composer/ediemer.htm
Reaching Out, for Solo Piano is available through The FJH Music Company INC, 2004.
http://www.fjhmusic.com/piano/contemp_int.htm
Author[]
Caroline Krause, Iowa Center for Research by Undergraduates Fellow