Coming in Thirds
Synthesized recording
Coming in Thirds was commissioned for the Elementary/Middle School Division of the 2010 Renée B. Fisher Piano Competition. Accordingly, it provides opportunities to demonstrate pianistic ability, both technical (dexterity, touch, and control) and musical (clarity and expressivity), while having fun. The opening impertinent, jazzy lick bounces through a series of transforming adventures as the piece unfolds, with a sassy attitude throughout. Pianist Jai Jeffryes adroitly captures this spirit in his sparkling recording of Coming in Thirds on his CD, Tangent Shores – Amethyst.
The title refers not to the relative order of finish in the competition – where the object is to come in first, after all – but to the melodic and harmonic structure of the music, which is based on minor thirds.