Description
William Smallwood (1831-1897) was an English composer and organist, best known for his teaching book Smallwood's Pianoforte Tutor. Beyond the tutor he wrote many approachable pieces for playing at home. The Harebell takes its title from the blue, bell-shaped wildflower of the British countryside.
It is in F major and 3/8, lasts about 1 minute 12 seconds and has 403 notes. In 3/8 each bar is felt as a single light beat, which gives the music a lightness that suits its flower title. The range sits in the middle of the keyboard, from G2 up to A5, so it fits on a 61-key instrument.
It is rated intermediate. With around 400 notes in little more than a minute, the challenge is to play the quick notes lightly and evenly. Counting three in every bar makes it heavy; feel each bar in one breath instead. If the speed is a struggle, slow the playback to settle the fingering, check how melody and accompaniment are shared with the hand colours, and then work back towards tempo.
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About the Composer
William Smallwood (1831-1897)
William Smallwood (1831-1897) was a composer active in the 19th century, though little beyond his dates is widely documented. He appears to have written within the salon music tradition of his time. This site includes his piece 'The Harebell.'
View all works by Smallwood →