William L. Gillock ： Portrait of Paris

Portrait of Paris takes advantage of the brilliant sonority of two pianos while offering a sense of lightness and refinement associated with Paris. The two instruments pass melodies and accompaniments, or the same musical material, between one another, creating a flow that suggests changing scenes. Highlights include the wide range of registers, the contrast of timbres, and the rich sonority created when the two parts come together. In performance, it is important to clarify the role of each part and coordinate the crispness of short notes and the buoyancy of the rhythms. Even in the more brilliant passages, avoid rushing; sharing the direction of the phrases and the dynamics will help create a transparent ensemble.