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Dr. Jonathan Mann, NCTM
Assistant Professor of Piano
3163 Mason Hall
SUNY Fredonia
Fredonia, NY 14063
Phone: 716.673.4885
Fax: 716.673.3154
jonathan.mann@fredonia.edu |
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Jonathan Mann presented a thoroughly enjoyable recital at the University of Washington. The audience appreciated his nimble virtuosity, supple phrasing and rich coloristic command of the piano. His commentary was informative, witty, and from the heart. We look forward to having him return!
- Robin McCabe, Professor and Director, School of Music, University of Washington
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Bio
Workshops
Publications
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Masterpieces for Elementary Pianists: Leopold Godowsky's 46 Miniatures for Piano, Four-Hands
 Resting delicately between fame and infamy, Leopold Godowsky (1870-1938) was one of the most revered pianist-composers of his time. Unfortunately, the twentieth century has extinguished the legacy of a man Rachmaninoff considered "the only musician of his age to give a lasting, a real contribution to the development of piano music." On the off chance that he is mentioned today it is inevitably within the context of his magnum opus 53 Studies on the Etudes of Chopin, a notoriously difficult collection of transcriptions that reached technical and sonic heights unheard of in romantic literature. It is a deliciously little-known fact that the author of some of the most challenging piano music also composed for the beginning student, most notably the 46 Miniatures for Piano, Four-Hands (1917). Enthusiastically endorsed by Percy Grainger and Sergei Rachmaninoff, these wonderful character pieces guide teacher and student through a cornucopia of marches, minuets, polonaises, tarantellas, and jigs. The student plays the primo part, beginning in a fixed, five-finger position, hands in unison. Arranged in six volumes, the Miniatures gradually increase in difficulty, with an encouraging emphasis on developing reading skills, technique, interpretation, musicianship, and style. Unlike many other four-hand pedagogical works, the teacher part in the Miniatures is interesting, involved, and musically satisfying.
The presentation involves a brief biographical sketch of Godowsky followed by a detailed demonstration of the 46 Miniatures. Dr. Mann will perform excerpts and discuss the technical and musical aspects of each work and how they benefit the beginning student. Fortunately, after spending nearly a century in obscurity, Warner Brothers and Carl Fischer reprinted the Miniatures, so it is a perfect time to rediscover these pedagogical gems. Attendees have the benefit of following along with an informative handout, allowing them to decide how to incorporate these works into their student's program. Enjoy the treasures Godowsky composed "to enable the beginner--whether child or adult--to start the art of pianoforte playing with music as good and inspirational, as aesthetic and character-building, as the music we hear at serious music concerts." Dr. Mann concludes the presentations with several of Godowsky's concert transcriptions.
Dr. Mann has given this presentation throughout the United States, including the Southwest Ohio Music Teachers Association (Cincinnati, OH), Spokane Music Teachers Association (Spokane WA), North Idaho Music Teachers Association (Coeur D'Alene, ID), Idaho Music Teachers Association State Conference (Boise, ID), Tri-Cities Music Teachers Association (Kennewick, WA), Buffalo-Niagra Music Teachers Association, Lake Oswego Music Teachers Association (Portland, OR), California Association of Professional Music Teachers state conference (San Mateo, CA), and Greensboro Music Teachers Association (Greensboro, NC).
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Jonathan Mann presents a corner of the literature that should be part of every pianist's awareness and inspiration. A brilliant pianist, Jonathan's performances of Godowski's works are effusively musical and irresistibly charming. Not to be missed!
- Amy Rose Immerman, former president, Ohio Music Teachers Association |
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On behalf of the Spokane Music Teachers Association, I would like to thank you for your presentation on "The 46 Miniatures of Leopold Godowsky" on Wednesday, September 12, 2007, Holy Names Music Center, for our first program of the year. We enjoyed your performance as well as the informative lecture and an opportunity to discover some little known gems of duet literature for the beginner to advanced student. We welcome you to the northwest and look forward to future performances and presentations.
- Dr. Colleen Hunter, NCTM, Program Chair, Spokane Music Teachers Association |
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