Esmail: Crystal Preludes - Book 1
Expected to ship in about a month.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Reena Esmail (1983-)
- Instrumentation: Piano
- Work: Crystal Preludes - Book 1 (2025)
Description
Program Notes:
Crystal Preludes is a collection of five years of experiments in my piano writing. of the 12 preludes in this set, some are expansions of material that exist in earlier works (such as my Piano Trio, Godsongs, et al), some are preliminary sketches for future works, and some are that just ideas that need their own little space to unfold.
My first entry point into music was as a pianist. I know the piano repertoire in my bones, and I have a special love for the many sets of 24 preludes in the rep, from the Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, to Debussy's Preludes, to (perhaps my favorite set) the Chopin Preludes. Many of the preludes in this set take seeds of inspiration from the pithy, brilliant works of those composers.
These pieces also reference specific Hindustani ragas, and use many Indian classical techniques (see notes for each specific prelude at the end of the score).
While many of the preludes in this set do have a have a kind of sparkling, crystalline quality to them, that isn't where the name comes from. The first three preludes I wrote from this set were for one of my oldest friends, pianist Crystal Rivette.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Digital Download
Digital, PDF version of the score.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Esmail: Crystal Preludes - Book 1
