piano works

“Piano Etude No 1”

The “Piano Etude No. 1” by David Kenstad is the first in a series of piano études exploring harmonies and rhythms normally associated with African-American musical genres while presented in forms normally associated with European classical music, both genres dating back more than 300 years. These may also present piano students with significant challenges though always within reach.

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Sample pages from “Piano Etude No. 1”

“Piano Etude No 2”

The tempo and mood of “Piano Etude No. 2” by David Kenstad is marked “Agitato” and a quarter note equals 190 beats per minute and that provides a rather lively atmosphere and some drama for this short study for the piano keyboard. © David Kenstad Compositions 2024 All Rights Reserved

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Sample pages from “Piano Etude No. 2”

“2 Part Invention”

After more than a year’s self-imposed sabbatical, composer David Kenstad has returned, albeit with a tiny offering compared to past postings, including a 5-movement symphony, this time with a nod to J. S. Bach with this 2-Part Invention. It is a light spirited miniature, having fun. Although this seems like a minimal effort it is certainly not minimalism. Instead, this piece obviously retains the traditional concepts of thematic development to hold the listener’s attention for the very short time required to give it a hearing.

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Sample Pages from 2-Part Invention

“Dance Suite for piano, III. Waltz”

by David Kenstad

Here is a waltz for piano written in the Theme and Variations form, but following the innovation of Charlie “Bird” Parker, the variations are not based on the theme as much as they are based on the chord pattern or “figured bass” as it would have been in the Baroque period. Press the Play button.

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Sample Page, Dance Suite for Piano, III. Waltz

“Dance suite for piaNo. ii. Rondo”

by David Kenstad

Following the classic Rondo form, ABACABA, this dance for piano adds a slightly different twist (not the dance from the late 1950s) by adding miniature development sections for each theme before the final recap. Reading the measure numbers at the top of the screen you will hear a tribute to the masters of the Baroque era for about 8 measures beginning at measure 82, about 4 minutes in. The debt owed to the African American music masters is obvious. Press the Play button.

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Sample Page from Dance Suite for Piano, No. II Rondo

“Dance Suite for piano, I. Dance and Trio”

by David Kenstad

Though certainly not a minuet, this piece does harken back to classical ternary form, even putting the trio into a key a perfect fifth higher than the exposition, the opening section, marked “Presto”. The contrasting Trio section is marked “Meno Mosso”, less motion, but the eighth notes, or quavers, are the same tempo as in the first section, only set as triplets. So it isn’t really less motion, the dancing is just a bit slower. The Trio also harkens back to the Romantic period in its harmonies and style. This piece demands a versatile left hand but its difficulty is tempered by the ease of the keys, meaning that the motifs are written to lie well for easy reach. Press the Play button.

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Sample Pages from Dance and Trio for Piano

“Dance suite for piano”

by David Kenstad

The above dances all in one playlist

I. Dance and Trio

II. Rondo

III. Waltz

Fantasia for Piano, “Enigma”

by David Kenstad

This piano piece conveys poignant, expressive, and reflective treatment of themes going through development including inversion and augmentation. Although sounding very challenging to perform, it lies very well and comfortably, making use of cross-over hands where appropriate. Press the Play button.

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Sample Pages from Fantasia for Piano

Impromptu No. 1 for piano

by David Kenstad

Impromptu – As if improvised.. The tempo is marked Vivace and the composition includes walking bass as well as upbeats lending a feeling of forward motion and improvisation. The interval of a major ninth prevails throughout along with fourths, and a minor key until the coda, in which the main theme is transformed with the feel of down-home gospel. Press the Play button.
Copyright ©2022 David Kenstad Compositions All Rights Reserved

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Pages from Impromptu No. 1 for Piano

“Permutations for Piano and Orchestra”

by David Kenstad

Development and Variation
This has more of composer, David Kenstad’s rich jazz harmonies with a development section and variations of themes, thus permutations, for piano with orchestral accompaniment. The influence of classical Afro-American and Latino music is ever-present.

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piano sonata N0. 1

By David Kenstad

Three movements blending african-American with European classical form

I. “latin feel”

Classical sonata allegro form with a Latin rhythm, presenting melodic ideas and developing them like jazz improvisation.

I. “blues”

A slow blues with full rich harmonies and a story to tell.

III. “Jazz Waltz”

Lively jazz counterpoint with thematic development alternating between tertiary and quartal harmonies.

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“Rhapsody in Eb minor for Piano”

by David Kenstad

In the Classical Style
Influenced by the compositions of Robert Schumann and Johannes Brahms, following the classical form and concept of thematic development.

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Rhapsody in Eb minor-pg1-2

Collected works for piano

by David Kenstad