Description
The Book of Preludes CD introduces piano music composed and performed by company founder, Barry Michael Wehrli. (Print music available HERE.)
- 15 evocative preludes blend classical, impressionism, jazz, new age, and more in a neo-romantic setting.
- Included text outlines the history and development of the preludes.
- CDs personally autographed by the composer, if requested.
- Photographs from the composer’s life.
- Stereo audio, 57:00 total running time.
- Download all or selected preludes at these sites:
“I appreciate Barry Wehrli’s mixture of classical and pop idioms in his Book of Preludes. They are expressive and moody, sure to resonate both with hormonal teens (not me) and senior-citizen pianists (me). (OK, I really belong to both groups, at least spiritually.) We’ve all had days as musically depicted in the sad-passsionate-then resigned Prelude No. 10 and the pensive-then proclamatory Prelude No. 11. Pianists may be inspired to come up with their own preludes after reading through this rich treasure trove.”
John C. Salmon – Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music
“This book of preludes cd by Barry Michael Wehrli is a wonderful collection of miniatures that explore a lot of different musical styles and sound worlds. I was struck by the often “stream-of consciousness” approach. Sometimes phrases fit neatly into nice, neat, square structures that our ears expect. Just as often, though, the composer takes you in a different direction altogether. As I looked back at the introductory notes, this made sense, since the composer stated he was “determined only to write freely and expressively, adhering to no particular styles, rules, or conventions. ‘Neo-Romantic’ certainly is an appropriate general descriptor. The music is tonal, but full of unexpected colors and harmonic shifts. Pieces are by turns lyrical, meditative, and evocative. Throughout, I find the pieces have a rather cinematic quality. A very enjoyable set of works that would make a nice addition to any pianist or piano teacher’s library! (Level: Late Intermediate-Advanced)”
Nicholas Phillips – Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
Click the Reviews tab above for all CD and print reviews!
See the print music below…
Hear the Book of Preludes CD…
Donnell Cameron –
Nice music to listen to from dramatic to bluesy and melodic. Very colorful and descriptive with pretty melodies and lovely recurrent themes. It has a spiritually lifting quality, very visual and pleasing. And very well performed and produced.
Jim Wilson – Pianist, Composer, and Owner of L.A. Piano Services –
A great collection of preludes! A little something for every piano player in here. All pieces are very well crafted. Well done Barry Wehrli!
California Music Teacher magazine “New Music Review” by Gail Lew –
CM Level: 8-10
This collection of fifteen evocative pieces is perfect for inspiring creative interpretations. These preludes are a great grab-and-go book for weddings, special events, senior centers, recitals, or any number of occasions that require lyrical, meditative, and expressive music. The CD recording has become my traveling music in the car, especially soothing when I’m stuck in heavy traffic. Throughout the collection, the music is tonal, impressionistic, improvisational and full of unexpected colors, turns, and harmonic shifts. Students who crave pieces with lots of octaves and dynamic fervor will love the dramatic conclusions in Preludes 3 and 5. The dreamy Prelude 9 requires a slight ethereal touch to keep the flowing sixteenth-note passages smooth and even. The melodic line is continually surrounded by flowing passagework and must be carefully voiced. The preludes range from slow and concise as in Preludes 1 and 8 to more expansive compositions, such as Preludes 10 and 11 which are more complex, intricate pieces requiring sophisticated counting and impeccable technique. Fingering and suggested pedaling is included. The drawback to this edition is that by using 5 systems per page on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper, often with 5 to 6 (sometimes 8) measures per system, the staff is smaller and harder to read. This is merely a comment on the engraving. The music itself is delightfully appealing. The CD recording is sold separately.
Robert Kaufmann – Professor of Biology at Boston University –
At first, I listened to this CD while coding. It provided just what I was looking for; an energetic, slightly dissonant harmony that heightened my concentration, much like Barok’s piano concerto number 3. And like Bartok’s music, this CD merits one’s complete attention. Indeed, I have now listened to the CD several times. Each time, my joy increases as I hear echoes of Bartok, Prokofiev, and Rachmaninoff. In short, this CD works on several levels; listen and you will enjoy all of them.
Dmitry Rachmanov – Professor & Chair of Keyboard Studies at California State University, Northridge –
This appealing set of preludes, written by a composer well versed in a variety of styles, such as contemporary jazz, fusion, new-age, pop and rock, etc., show some crossover traits, exploring classical and popular stylistic elements. The music is deceptively simple, revealing a sincerity of feeling, alternating lyric and contemplative moods with those of energetic rhythmic ostinato patterns and continuous motion. The preludes range from laconic to more developed compositions, such as nos. 10 and 11, belonging to a group of more complex and intricate pieces of the set. They should find true appeal in performers and teachers of students of intermediate to early advanced technical levels who enjoy popular contemporary styles of writing and are eager to supplement their standard repertoire with new fresh-sounding material.
Mary Ott –
With Masterful technique and heartfelt nuance, Barry Wehrli brings forth beautiful new music in the collection of Preludes. Each of the 15 songs in this collection evokes a mood or a cultural influence. I was transported to a magical place. Truly sublime music. Thank you Barry for sharing your gifts with all of us.
GtrPlay4Fun –
Beautiful and uplifting solo piano compositions thoughtfully performed with grace and passion. Barry’s Preludes have a meditative quality that transports me to a magnificent state of mind each and every time I listen. Truly masterful works!
Carlos Sylvanstoke –
Thanks, Barry. Sterling performance! Great preludes.
Barbara Heckenlively –
I was thrilled to find such desirable new music through social media. These preludes are diverse and one is sure to find several favorites in this book. Mine are 6, 7, and 9. As a teacher, I have several teen students who constantly request that daunting sound and the minors. These pieces are sure to satisfy their tastes as well as the discriminating adult performer looking for impressive and expressive new music. I plan on using these pieces for students in competition for the pleasure of adjudicators and audiences alike.
VegasMikeyLikesIt –
This is a great listen and nice collection of solo piano pieces! I think they would be perfect study pieces as well. If I had the time, I would enjoy learning these works. Well done Barry!
Amazon Customer –
I listened to the whole CD and I also got the book of preludes and I must say, what an awesome album this is. As a piano student, I really enjoy listening while having the music right in front of me, it’s a great way to learn and it’s fun! Knowing the hours and dedication Barry put on this, I really appreciate this beautiful work!!
Marianna Korol – Education Program and Game Developer, Music Therapist, Teacher and Composer –
I have had the pleasure of listening to Barry’s “Book of Preludes”. Beautiful set of Preludes. I think many intermediate and advanced pianists will enjoy playing them. Thanks for sharing with me, Barry. Congratulations on this achievement and kindest wishes!
Melanie Moore-Gluska –
I have had the pleasure of listening to Barry’s “Book of Preludes”….and totally enjoyed each one! He is an inspiring and innovative composer! Best of success to you Barry! Melanie 🙂
Charles Fierro – Professor Emeritus, California State University, Northridge, CA –
I listened to your Preludes with interest and find them quite appealing. Their technical/musical aspects will make them accessible to many aspiring pianists, who will no doubt enjoy playing them. Congratulations on this achievement and best wishes on the Preludes as they make their way in the musical world.
Ivana Grubelic Malo –
I recently came across Book of Preludes from Barry Wehrli. This is a nice collection of varied pieces which would be appropriate for intermediate to advanced pianist. I enjoyed the way he blends impressionistic style, jazz influence, americana and improvisatory feel of pieces with interesting modulations and harmonic language. My favorite ones were No 1, 2, 3, 6, 12. Check them out!
John C. Salmon – Professor, University of North Carolina at Greensboro School of Music –
I appreciate Barry Wehrli’s mixture of classical and pop idioms in his Book of Preludes. They are expressive and moody, sure to resonate both with hormonal teens (not me) and senior-citizen pianists (me). (OK, I really belong to both groups, at least spiritually.) We’ve all had days as musically depicted in the sad-passsionate-then resigned Prelude No. 10 and the pensive-then proclamatory Prelude No. 11. Pianists may be inspired to come up with their own preludes after reading through this rich treasure trove.
Adam Bendorf – Pianist, President of Alberti Publishing –
I really like the pieces. My personal favorites are no. 5,6,7,11, & 15. Thanks for sharing your great music, Barry!
Rufus Choi – Steinway Artist, International Concert Pianist and Educator –
Wonderful set of Preludes. Great style, contrast and harmonic color. As a pianist and musician, I am always looking for good, modern music to perform and hope to use some or all of these in future performances.
American Music Teacher magazine “Review” by Emma Frazier –
Barry Michael Wehrli’s Book of 15 Preludes is a set of advanced pieces written in a neo-romantic style using blues, jazz and new-age techniques. He has some very creative ideas and uses a lot of innovative sounds.
The prelude genre has a 600-year history. Originally written to establish the key and of and set the mood for a larger work, the romantic prelude “was developed as an independent character piece for piano, exploring a particular expressive mood or technical device”. (Oxford Companion to Music Online, Preludes)
True to the prelude tradition, Wehrli explores a wide variety of styles and sounds in his preludes. I especially liked numbers 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9. The musical styles range from impressionistic to improvisation over a walking octave bass to Chopin-like arpeggiation to open chords to running eighth notes. He uses traditional key signatures spiced with chromatic variations and unusual modulations. The ideas have character and the development is interesting. However, in the rest of the preludes, either I get lost because he tries to work with too many ideas or the development is a bit monotonous. I like a lot of what Wehrli has to say in these preludes. I would hope that if he were to write another book of preludes that he would have greater consistency in holding to the preludes tradition, while at the same time bringing it to new heights using some some of his unique, creative keyboard sounds.
Nicholas Phillips – Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire –
This book of preludes by Barry Michael Wehrli is a wonderful collection of miniatures that explore a lot of different musical styles and sound worlds. As I read through each one I was struck by the often “stream-of consciousness” approach. Sometimes phrases fit neatly into nice, neat, square structures that our ears expect. Just as often, though, the composer takes you in a different direction altogether. As I looked back at the introductory notes, this made sense, since the composer stated he was “determined only to write freely and expressively, adhering to no particular styles, rules, or conventions.”
“Neo-Romantic” certainly is an appropriate general descriptor. The music is tonal, but full of unexpected colors and harmonic shifts. Pieces are by turns lyrical, meditative, and evocative. Throughout, I find the pieces have a rather cinematic quality. A very enjoyable set of works that would make a nice addition to any pianist or piano teacher’s library! (Level: Late Intermediate-Advanced)
Michael Dulin – Owner of PSI Studios, Alabama, and President of Equity Digital Music –
I listened to the clips of your 15 preludes. I was happy to discover in them the work of an ACTUAL COMPOSER!! How refreshing. It’s great to hear such finely crafted music. Keep up the good work. Michael Dulin