Composer: Alexis Ffrench Background: Alexis Ffrench is a British classical-soul pianist, composer, and educator. Musical style: He is known for his melodic and atmospheric compositions, which often blend elements of classical and popular music. His work is featured on major streaming platforms and in exam syllabuses for various exam boards. Significance: Ffrench has served as the Artistic Director of the ABRSM, and his compositions reflect his educational philosophy of making classical music accessible and engaging. The piece: The Singing Swan Character: Ffrench offers a backstory for the piece: "The swan in this piece loves to glide on the water and sing to the moon and the stars as its way of expressing gratitude". The music is reflective and peaceful, with a graceful, flowing melody. Musical and technical requirements: Tone and touch: A smooth, legato touch is essential for creating the fluid, singing melody, much like a swan gliding on water. Legato and phrasing: Students must use appropriate fingerings to maintain legato and connect the musical phrases smoothly, enhancing the expressive quality of the piece. Dynamic control: The piece requires careful attention to dynamic markings, including gradual changes (crescendos and decrescendos), to help shape the musical story. Rhythmic security: Although the tempo is gentle, rhythmic accuracy is still important. Practicing slowly with a metronome can help maintain a steady rhythmic foundation before incorporating more interpretive rubato. Exam context: ABRSM Grade 2 (2025–2026) Syllabus placement: The Singing Swan was selected as B1, the first piece in List B, the section of the syllabus that typically features more lyrical and melodic works. Performance goals: The examiner assesses the candidate's ability to create a sensitive and musical performance, demonstrating control over tone, dynamics, and phrasing, and bringing the composer's imagery to life.
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