Conquering Canons
Track List & Recordings
1. Rogue Canonball
This canon is comprised of long and a short phrases over a 4 bar subject, with the overlap requiring the student to phrase the hands at different times.
There is significant repetition, however extra repetition can be achieved by adding an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 5 to the end of bar 8.
Other practice strategies which may be helpful include focus on individual bars such as repeating bar 3 several times over before moving on to bar 4 which can likewise be repeated as often as needed to develop flow. Similarly, bar 5 will benefit from significant repetition before moving on to bar 6.
Early Intermediate - Mid Intermediate level
2nd - 3rd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
3rd - 4th Grade ABRSM
These canons were written to fill a niche in my teaching repertoire between the early level canons such as those by Pozzoli and Kunz, and the two-part inventions of JS Bach which begin at around 4th Grade level (AMEB/ANZCA).
They are not particularly easy - nor were they intended to be - but neither are they as gruelling as some of the longer and more serious contrapuntal works which students will eventually progress to.
They do provide a much needed element of fun - canons are difficult enough without having to be boring and it is reassuring that more contemporary writers are rising to this challenge.
My students, whilst dubbing this collection 'Teacher's Revenge', are invariably able to have a laugh at their efforts to conquer many of these tricky little numbers! Their sense of achievement in gaining the required independence of the hands (or brain-split!) is satisfying indeed!
It is essential in the learning of canons that each cell or phrase is practiced independently, both separately and hands together so that the final result is a true independence of the melodies, rather than a pedestrian rendition of note against note.
Grading is early to mid intermediate level (2nd - 3rd grade AMEB/ANZCA) although some are a little simpler, but I would prefer the collection be viewed as an experiential journey through the art of canonic playing rather than a step by step process.
2. Round the Garden
This canon is comprised of 4 phrases over a 4 bar subject.
The overlap is quite straightforward, for the most part allowing the phrases to begin and end together and so presenting minimal challenge.
However, the key of B flat Major and the hand positions within this key elevate it to 2nd grade level. * It should be noted that this Canon is in the AMEB Series 17 book for 1st grade, but in C Major.
There is significant repetition, however extra repetition can be achieved by adding an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 5 to the end of bar 8.
Early Intermediate level
2nd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
3rd Grade ABRSM
4. Jack Be Nimble
This canon is comprised of two subjects, the first consisting of one long legato phrase over 4 bars, which is then repeated. The second subject is similarly a long legato phrase over 4 bars which is repeated.
Because of the long melodic lines, the overlapping phrasing is not overly challenging.
Further repetition can be achieved by adding an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 3 to the end of bar 6 and from the beginning of bar 11 to the end of bar 14.
Late Elementary level
1st Grade AMEB/ANZCA
2nd Grade ABRSM
6. Firing Canonballs
The subject of this canon, over 4 bars, is comprised of a short slurred phrase, staccato notes and a longer legato phrase which includes a tie and which runs into the repeat of the subject.
The alternating articulations between the hands are quite challenging.
There is significant repetition, however further repetition can be achieved by applying an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 9 to the end of bar 12.
Early Intermediate - Mid Intermediate level
2nd - 3rd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
3rd - 4th Grade ABRSM
8. Cantonese
Long and short two-note slurs in 4ths and 3rds comprise the 'choppy' 4 bar subject of this canon.
Balancing the articulations between the hands will present challenge.
There is some repetition, however further repetition can be achieved by applying an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 5 to the end of bar 8.
Intermediate level
3rd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
4th Grade ABRSM
10. Tiddlywinks
This is a lively canon in triplet movement and with a subject over 9 bars which includes short and long slurred phrases and crushed staccato notes.
Challenge is in balancing the articulations between the hands while maintaining the cheerful, mischievous character.
There is some repetition, however further repetition can be achieved by applying an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 10 to the end of bar 18.
Intermediate level
3rd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
4th Grade ABRSM
12. The Grand Canon
This is a majestic canon comprised of slurred chords in short and longer phrases over a mildly contrapuntal 4 bar subject.
Challenge lies in balancing the different phrases against each other while maintaining the integrity of the melodic lines.
There is significant repetition, however further repetition can be achieved by applying an unlimited repeat from the beginning of bar 9 to the end of bar 12.
Intermediate level
3rd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
4th Grade ABRSM
3. Fee Fye Foe Fum! (Canons can be so much fun!)
This is almost two canons within one.
The first has a 4 subject comprising staccato triadic notes against a smooth legato phrase.
The second has two 2-bar subjects which are alternated against each other. These consist of short two-note slurs against smooth legato phrases.
The first canon is then repeated to give an overall ternary form.
Practice strategies include repeating bars 2 and 3 until smooth and flowing and although bar 8 doesn't flow smoothly back into bar 5, it is recommended that this line be repeated, either as a whole or in two halves until the coordination of the different articulations between the hands is smooth and comfortable.
Early Intermediate level
2nd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
3rd Grade ABRSM
The first canon is then repeated to give an overall ternary form.
Practice strategies include repeating bars 2 and 3 until smooth and flowing and although bar 8 doesn't flow smoothly back into bar 5, it is recommended that this line be repeated, either as a whole or in two halves until the coordination of the different articulations between the hands is smooth and comfortable.
Early Intermediate level
2nd Grade AMEB/ANZCA
3rd Grade ABRSM