Innocence

For Piano and Chamber OrchestraBy Peter NostrandInnocence is available for either piano solo or piano and chamber accompaniment (flute, clarinet, first and second violins, viola and cello). It is a good learning tool for aspiring musicians at or above a beginner's level.Technically, the piece contains several tertian harmonies and simple flares of credenza-like complexities. The form is a "through composed" inspiration that later becomes more refined in terms of symmetry and balance.Less technically described, Innocence was written to demonstrate the differences and the compatibility between traditional and untraditional harmonic development. Students will or should recognize the two different approaches.In the most traditional approach, the listener is typically able to predict how the melody will unfold. It is like a journey down a road where the passengers can see all the straight-aways and turns ahead. Innocence, however, while never discarding or disrespecting musical grammar, is occasionally innocently twisted to hijack the listener into gently surprising and unanticipated turns. It is a good learning tool to point out the different approaches to composition. It is also simply a fun and entertaining piece in and of itself.