Piano Ergonomics №5 “Blue Train” — Commentary

Bringing EDM Influences Into Piano Solo

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Score PDF Link : https://note.com/hoshinossimo/n/nb2f49f46d9ed

Introduction

A piano solo piece that incorporates influences from techno and EDM.

The title Blue Train may bring to mind the famous jazz album, but in this case it was named after the image of the Night Train that once existed in Japan. The opening phrase of the piece felt to me like the sound of a train in motion, and from there the image of a train running through the middle of the night naturally came to mind. Among train-themed pieces, Charles-Valentin Alkan’s Le Chemin de Fer, Op.27 is well known, and I hope this piece can be enjoyed in a similar spirit.

Characteristics of the Piece

The piece is built around a motif based on a paradiddle-like 16-beat phrase created by the interaction between the right and left hands on the piano, and the entire work is constructed through the looping and development of that rhythm. I aimed to create music that could be physically felt and enjoyed through its dance music–influenced sense of groove.

Structure of the Piece

Broadly speaking, the overall structure can be described as: A–B–A′–Coda a three-part form with a coda. First, section A consists of three parts: ・A paradiddle-like phrase ・A phrase beginning with quintuplets ・An intensifying phrase that combines the paradiddle pattern with tuplets

Next, section B begins with the introduction of an EDM-inspired chord progression, with the phrases from section A being developed over it. Section A′ functions as a relatively straightforward recapitulation with little change from the original A, and from there the piece moves directly into the coda. In the coda, a simple melody, somewhat like what would be called a drop in EDM, is developed into an explosive climax. The piece then concludes by briefly revisiting material from section A.

Performance Notes

I think this piece falls into the more technically demanding category within the album.

Although it features elements of dance music, maintaining a strict tempo is not necessarily required. I think it may be more interesting as a piano solo if there is a clear contrast in the tempo fluctuations — keeping the tempo steady where appropriate and using rubato where it feels natural.

I would also be very happy if the performer could enjoy the rhythm and feel the groove while playing.

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