044 - Poor Birdie

(From the 2021 resurrection of Tuna Day)

Keeping with the bird theme started two days ago, this is one of my favorite pieces from the 2nd set of tunes I started in 2021.

It was an experiment in denying the listener the tonic melodically throughout the piece until the last measure. Though it is solidly in A minor, the pitch “A” does not occur in the melody until the final measure. To my ears this creates a kind of tension / expectation over the course of the tune that is difficult to explain.

Maybe I’m full of crap, but that’s the impression I get.

I’m a part time ballet accompanist for the Kansas City Ballet. It’s a fun gig for me because it keeps me engaged with the piano and because I often improvise new music on the spot. I’ve used this piece for classes a few times because it’s a good tempo and solidly in 8 bar phrases. It amuses me to watch the dancers going through their routines while I play this tune.

Note: This was originally in B minor, but I’ve moved it to A minor because it is leagues easier to play on the piano in that key. If you occasionally try these on a piano give this one a spin.