We Don't Talk About Bruno - Lin-Manuel Miranda

The piece presents several challenges tailored to developing pianists, such as:

• Hand Coordination: The need to manage independent hand movements is crucial. The left hand provides a rhythmic foundation, while the right hand carries the melodic contour. Specific measures (for example, measures 4, 14, and 29) demand tight synchronization and control.

• Dynamic Control: There are many dynamic shifts that require quick adjustments in touch and volume, particularly evident in measures 18-20. Pianists must be adept at practicing crescendos and decrescendos effectively.

• Tempo Changes: The slight rubato in the delivery of certain phrases can impact the overall tempo, requiring pianists to practice the piece slowly to build confidence before performing at the intended speed.

To master these difficulties, pianists can follow targeted strategies:

Specific Measures to Focus on:

• Measures 1-8: Begin with hands separately. Play the right-hand melody slowly, focusing on establishing the phrase's character before adding the left-hand harmonies.

• Measures 12-16: This section introduces complexities. Break it down into smaller segments (2-4 notes), practicing each hand separately. Use a metronome set to a slower BPM (around 70-80) to internalize the phrasing.

Enhance Technique:

• Scales and Arpeggios: Regularly practice scales and arpeggios related to Eb Major and its relative minor to improve finger agility and familiarity with the key signature.

The piece "We Don't Talk About Bruno," composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, is set in the key of Eb Major, employing a 4/4 meter and a moderate tempo of 103 BPM. This upbeat yet introspective piece features a sectional structure that enhances its narrative qualities.

Key Features:

• Harmony Progression: The harmony follows traditional progressions in the key of Eb Major, frequently returning to the tonic (I) and subdominant (IV) chords. The use of these chords can be observed particularly in measures 1-4, where A♭ major and B♭ major chords support the main melody. The changes contribute to the emotional tension that the lyrics convey.

• Melodic Structure: The melody predominantly resides in the right hand and contains a mix of syncopated rhythms and sustained tones, which add a whimsical yet dramatic flair to the narrative (e.g., the phrase that spans measures 9-12).

• Rhythmic Complexity: Notable rhythmic figures appear throughout. For instance, in measures 20-22, dotted rhythms intermingle with regular eighth notes, creating a lively interaction between sections that keep the listener engaged.

• Motivic Development: Repetition and variation of motifs occur frequently to emphasize different lyrical content, particularly between the transitions from verse to chorus. The contrasts between the softer dynamics in the verses and the emphatic crescendos in the choruses are effective in illustrating the story's emotional peaks and valleys.

We Don't Talk About Bruno

• Artist
  Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Number of imitations:
  133
• Genre
  Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Key
  Eb
• Tempo
  103
• Pages
  5
• Notation
  Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Compose
  Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Introduction
  We Don't Talk About Bruno' - Lin-Manuel Miranda, This music is undefined, arr. by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Suitable for all students to learn