Lasko, A – Little Stories

The collection Little Stories consists of 16 short, expressively varied piano pieces. The interpretation is suggested by the title, referring to the imagination, the world of fairy tales, everyday children's matters, and observation of nature.

The majority of the miniatures can be easily performed after a few months of study; the level of difficulty corresponds to the last stage of learning with the handbook by Agnieszka Lasko – First Class Piano. In some of them (Drowsy Cloud, Sunrise, Cuckoo Song, The Princess and the Knight, Winter Moon) an element of improvisation is used, creatively engaging the young pianist; thanks to the composer's ingenuity any attempt at free music-making shall be successful.

The advantage of the pieces is their melody factor (memorable, naturally wandering themes). The miniatures are also characterized by simplicity of texture and harmony (slightly colored with dissonant chords), a playful tone (e.g. playing with shifting accents in Little Monster Stomp), or a dance-like character (the waltz Ballerina, Tarantella). The composer also took care of the fingering and the use of pedals, which facilitates the playing. Sophisticated illustrations, painted by Ma gorzata Flis, help to develop the pupil's sensitivity.