Introduction
Theme from July (Serenade in F Major)
- original composition by Fanny Hensel
- arrangement for solo piano by Cameron Smith
- Early Intermediate
- MIDI performance by Penny Lazarus, NCTM
- historical commentary by Penny Lazarus
Theme from July (Serenade in F Major) by Hensel-Smith
This arrangement provides a long-awaited opportunity to introduce the very youngest pianist to melodies composed by women in the time usually associated with the music of Brahms, Chopin and Robert Schumann. Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel is the older sister of the well-known composer Felix Mendelssohn. Often said to be a greater pianist than her brother, Hensel wrote many works for the piano. This piece comes from Das Jahr (The Year), a monumental piano cycle that has only recently been rediscovered. Students love to be part of music history by learning about these newly identified works! A MIDI recording by Penny Lazarus is included.
Looking for more easy piano versions of works by historical women composers? This arrangement was commissioned by Penny Lazarus Piano Studio as part of an effort to expand the early piano repertoire with pieces by women composers of the last 900 years.
