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2. Summerland in Gb major

William Grant Still

What's this piece like?
Still composed Three Visions for solo piano in 1935 and is described as: “Three segments of the suite, Dark Horsemen, Summerland and Radiant Pinnacle, tell the story of the human soul after death: the body expires, and the soul goes on to an apocalyptic judgement. If it is seen that the past life has been a good one, the soul may enter ‘heaven’ or ‘Summerland’. After a period of time, the soul may reincarnate to learn additional earthly lessons on the human plane. Some souls reincarnate many times in a constant circular progress toward Godly perfection.” The most famous of the three movements, Summerland is a musical portrait of the afterlife. The name derives from the peaceful Heaven of the Spiritualists, and adds a soft name to this soft piece. The alternating hands pass through the lyrical melody as Still draws out every inch of the music. Small movements towards a louder dynamic come and go, with Still also utilising the silence around the music.
Who's this piece for?
An incredible piece for advanced pianists looking for a relaxing and inspiring piece to play.
5+ pages
Impressionist
Gb major

MOOD: Dreamy, dramatic, relaxing and delicate.

TECHNIQUE: Voicing.

Ranking
Equivalent to RCM level 9
Equivalent to ABRSM level 8
Equivalent to Suzuki book 7
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1929

Edwin Hubble proposes theory of expanding universe.

1929

The Great Depression starts in the U.S.

1931

“The Star Spangled Banner” officially becomes the U.S. national anthem.

1933

Hitler is appointed German chancellor.

1935

Summerland was composed by W.G. Still at the age of 40 years old.

1936

Spanish civil war begins.

1939

Gone with the Wind premieres.

1939

The World War II begins with German invasion of Poland.

1943

Sergey Rachmaninoff died.

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