Rolf Hind: A Single Hair, A Jasmine Petal, Seven Mattresses - Etude Tableau for Solo Piano

Product Information

• UPC/Item Number: RICL00015300
• ISMN: 9790570027859 / 979-0570027859
• Product Type: Musical Score
• Genre: Contemporary Classical Music
• Instrumentation: Solo Piano
• Publisher: Ricordi

Overview

Rolf Hind’s A Single Hair, A Jasmine Petal, Seven Mattresses is a poetic and evocative étude-tableau for solo piano, offering a deeply expressive journey through a world of fragility, texture, and layered nuance. Infused with Hind’s signature sensitivity to timbre, stillness, and the evocative power of suggestion, the piece invites performers to engage not only with the notes on the page but with the spaces between them, making it as much an exercise in presence and listening as in technique. The whimsical yet enigmatic title, referencing Hans Christian Andersen’s The Princess and the Pea, hints at the work’s conceptual world: one where the slightest sensations—a single hair, a jasmine petal—can reverberate with unexpected intensity. In this sense, the music reflects themes of perception, delicacy, and underlying tension, encouraging pianists to explore the expressive potential of extremely fine gradations of touch, dynamics, and pedaling.

Though composed with intermediate-level pianists in mind, A Single Hair... is far from simplistic. Its challenges lie in the precision of sound control, the shaping of subtle gestures, and the ability to maintain emotional coherence through a sparse and atmospheric soundscape. Hind draws from contemporary techniques, including gentle clusters, floating harmonies, and coloristic use of resonance, crafting a musical world that is introspective and finely wrought. The piece is ideally suited for recitals, examinations, or artistic showcases, where its intimacy and sonic restraint can create a moment of stillness and contemplation in contrast to more extroverted repertoire. It also serves as an excellent pedagogical tool, encouraging students to develop sensitive listening, pedal finesse, and expressive restraint—skills essential for the nuanced performance of modern piano literature. In its blend of imagery, emotional subtlety, and technical refinement, A Single Hair, A Jasmine Petal, Seven Mattresses exemplifies Hind’s unique voice as a composer and his deep understanding of the piano as an instrument of both physical and emotional touch.

Product Features

• Format: Full Score
• Ensemble Configuration: Solo Piano
• Difficulty Level: Grade 3-4 (Intermediate to Advanced)
• Composition Style: Contemporary classical music
• Performance Requirements: Requires expressive interpretation and technical proficiency

Interesting Facts

• Artistic Significance: The title reflects the delicate and transient nature of life, with each section of the piece representing different emotional states and imagery.
• Performance Context: This etude tableau is suitable for various performance settings, including solo recitals, competitions, and educational environments, providing pianists with an opportunity to explore the depth of contemporary music.
• Composer Background: Rolf Hind is a distinguished contemporary composer known for his innovative works that often blend traditional and modern elements, creating unique sonic experiences.

Publishers

Published by Ricordi, a respected international music publishing house dedicated to contemporary classical music.

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