The Dink Network

Dink Sheet Music

January 23rd, 2006
v1.00
Score : 9.0 exceptional
pq_water.gif
'Twas a very pleasant surprise to find this file, and I commend Merlin his hard work! I'm extremely happy to write so positively in my very first review on the Dink Network!
NB My piano is out of commission at present, so the difficulty rating system is an estimation (albeit an education one!). It certainly serves as a guide however.

There are ten pieces in PDF format included in this file, all professionally notated, clearly readable and with very useful midi files accompanying each one. The most obvious failing of all ten, is the lack of dynamic and expression markings, as well as MM tempo indicators. Although the more accomplished pianist will happily play without these, they are helpful to the beginner (maybe you could add them in an updated version Merlin? Or I could email you my own scribbled suggestions?)

Some notes, a difficulty rating, and my opinion of each piece follows:
AGAE-27: Very catchy, its syncopated rhythm appealed a great deal. Like several of the pieces in this set, big hands (which I certainly do not have) are an asset, especially in the rather difficult baseline. Difficulty 7/10

CREEPING SANDS: Big grin! Expression markings would be most useful... treble semiquavers (G&A) sound a bit strange in the midi file, but a trill would be fine when actually played on the instrument itself. Difficulty 4.5/10

FIAT-3: More lyrical than the above pieces, but unforunately quite short (loop). The third line could be offputting, as it looks more compex than it really is due to the cluttered notes (but this is almost unavoidable, and doesn't negatively reflect on Merlin in any way). Difficulty 4/10 (as it is short and repetitive)

MYSTERY ISLAND-PIRATE: The most difficult feature of this piece is its counting, and even this isn't particularly difficult. Its quite a repetitive piece, but made me want to get up and dance all the same. Difficulty 6.5/10

SOB-16: I imagine its a lovely piece to play (if you like the Romantic style, or more lyrical works). Its is completely open to interpretation in terms of expression and dynamics, but the lack of markings may be a negative to beginner's, as there is little in the way of direction. It doesn't appear too difficult, though still sounds really pretty, a definite plus. DifficultY: Technically 3.5/10 Musically/Expressively 8/10

AGAE-354: Big hands are really helpful in this one! Admittedly not one of my favourites... Difficulty 5.5/10

DS-LIVELY: All in the base clef, counting again is the most difficult component of the piece. I almost wish it had words actually, poignant lyrics would suit the melody delightfully. Difficulty 5/10

FIAT-21: Baseline isn't too interesting, particularly at the beginning, but perhaps this leaves room for improvisation. The polyphony sounds clumsy in midi format, and more expression is needed for it to be suitable for the piano, and allow the melody its true beauty. The semi-quavers (in midi) just sound wrong. Originally used in Final Fantasy, perhaps it works better there. Difficulty 4/10

PARIZAYA THEME: Worse than Liszt if you don't have bloody big hands (You're forced to leave out notes)! Note a huge fan of this one either... it has lots of accidentals (particularly sharps, when I prefer flats) and a few modulations, which keeps it interesting. Requires either a fair amount of time or considerable sightreading ability. Difficulty 8/10

SOB-THEME: Gets progressively more difficult as it moves on, too many notes for my little hands! (Although the effect, even leaving out certain unreachable notes in the big chords, is the same). Again markings would significantly improve this piece. It is the hardest work included in the set, and thus is only suitable for the accomplished pianist. Difficulty 9.5/10

All in all, a very downloadable file for Dinking pianists! Congratulations Merlin, this is quite a success!

Final Score: 9.0 (Though could easily improve with dynamic and expression markings)