September - David Sylvian - Zema Seck

Approach to Overcoming Difficulties:

Hand Coordination:

• Isolate Hands: Begin by practicing each hand separately, focusing firstly on the left-hand chords to build familiarity. Use a metronome at a slower tempo and gradually incorporate the right hand.

Dynamic Control:

• Dynamic Markings: Pay attention to dynamic markings within the score. Use gradual builds to practice dynamics, emphasizing contrasts in measures 10-12. Play through these sections multiple times, alternating between emphasizing the melody and softening the left-hand accompaniment.

Time Signature and Rhythmic Precision:

• Rhythmic Exercises: Break down measures with sixteenth notes, practicing rhythm patterns by clapping or using a single note initially (like C#3) before blending into the full score.

• Use of Phrasing: Mark phrase endings and breathes within the score, especially focused in measures 18-20. By recognizing natural pauses, you will develop a better sense of musicality.

Summary of Effective Strategies:

Focus on these targeted areas during practice sessions: hand separation, gradual tempo increases, attention to dynamics, and rhythmic exercises specific to the identified difficult measures. Through repetition and focused practice, you’ll enhance both your technical skills and expressive capabilities, enabling you to perform "September" with confidence and artistry.

Detailed Analysis of the Piano Sheet Music for "September" by David Sylvian

The piece "September," composed by David Sylvian, is characterized by its flowing melodies and engaging harmonies, set in the key of E major. Notably, the structure of the piece effectively balances melodic phrases with harmonic support, which can be dissected into various sections throughout the score.

Key Features:

• Melodic Structure: The right-hand (Piano: right) showcases a prominent melodic line, particularly in measures 3 to 6 where it features a cascading effect of notes (E4, G#4, B4) that creates a sense of ascending motion. This is coupled with repeated rhythmic patterns that contribute to the piece's overall hypnotic quality.

• Harmonic Progression: The left-hand (Piano: left) employs a foundation of chords that outline a functional harmony, predominantly utilizing the I-IV-V progression common in popular music. Measures 6 to 10 demonstrate a clear outline of E major with the chords (C#3, B2, A2) supporting the right-hand melody and establishing the tonal center.

• Rhythmic Layers: The interplay between rhythmic figures in both hands creates depth. For example, the syncopated rhythms found in measures 12-14, with varying note values, provide not only rhythmic interest but also enhance the emotional dynamics. The use of dotted rhythms introduces a push and pull feeling that captivates the listener.

• Unique Accents and Ornamentation: The score contains instances of grace notes and rhythmic variations that add character to the melodic line, especially in measures 5 and 7, where accented notes create moments of emphasis, enhancing expressiveness.

September

• Artist
  David Sylvian
• Number of imitations
  136
• Genre
  David Sylvian
• Key
  E
• Tempo
  120
• Pages
  -
• Notation
  David Sylvian
• Compose
  David Sylvian
• Introduction
  Detailed Analysis of the Piano Sheet Music for "September" by David Sylvian The piece "September," composed by David Sylvian, is characterized by its flowing melodies and engaging harmonies, set in the key of E major. Notably, the structure of the piece