William L. Gillock ： Lyric Preludes Witch’s Cat

Gillock’s “Witch’s Cat” is an engaging character piece that condenses mystery and mischief into a brief span. Sharp accents and light, nimble movements appear in contrast, creating the impression of a cat emerging and disappearing while stealthily concealing its presence. The piece unfolds with a flow that suggests changing scenes, while its dynamic contrasts and use of pauses provide much of its appeal. In performance, it is important to preserve the rhythmic sharpness without making the sound too heavy, and to bring out the intricate movements clearly. Attending to the contrasts in dynamics and balancing a playful character with an eerie quality will reveal the charm of the piece.