When I was about 6 or 7 years old, the school librarian came into our class and spoke to us. She asked us which item we would choose if stranded in a boat by ourselves – a fishing rod, a cake, a harmonica or a book. Now it seems that most of the kids thought cake would be excellent (it was getting close to morning recess) but she rightly pointed out that a cake can only be eaten once, whereas a book can be read over and over. But I wanted the harmonica and was not astute enough at the time to point out to her that not only could the harmonica be played over and over but that you could make the tunes up yourself.
I can't remember the librarian's name – but, if you're out there in the audience, this piece is dedicated to you.
This work is suitable for pianists of medium ability, and is one of the composer's most-recorded works.
From a review of the album But I Want the Harmonica, a recording of Australian piano works by Jeanell Carrigan:
The CD's title-piece, But I Want the Harmonica, shows a clean and simple power of expression... founded on great emotional impetus.
