MORCEAUX CHARACTERISTIQUES (1886) by Horatio Parker, Peter Kairoff piano

The Gavotte, Caprice and Elegie are from the 5 Morceaus Characteristiques of 1886 by Horatio Parker. Essentially student works, they are nevertheless confidently composed and vigorous examples of the Romantic miniature. The Elegie, in particular, demonstrates the astute harmonic control and bold dramatic gestures which can be found in Parker’s later works. The Caprice is actually a waltz, and the piano figuration is reminiscent of Chopin. After decades of relative obscurity, a number of gifted Americ