Test Drive

Test Drive is a frenzied whirlwind of a piece for the virtuoso solo pianist. Beginning with an evocative setting of a car’s ignition beginning three times, a sudden Presto tempo takes flight, as cascades of brilliant passagework keep the pianist and the listener enthralled with excitement and animated zip. Hurdling through a series of key centers and through torrents of streaming notes, this is a lively and joyful ride through major keys that twist and turn and exploit the full extent of the keyboard’s range. With pizzazz and pep, it keeps the ear amused and rockling with powerful handfuls of spirited flirtations with ranges, keys, special effects, and pyramid-ing structures that ultimately winds its way to a Prestissimo section of amazing complexity and dazzling strength and punch. It is a rollercoaster of a ride!