Speech after long silence, op.610 - (13 pages)

The test piece composed by Howard Blake for The Third Hong Kong International Piano Competition, 15th October- 2nd November 2011, a piece lasting 7-8 minutes but containing many different advanced techniques of piano writing. It begins with a very quiet theme and builds to a huge carnival-like climax before a recapitulation of the opening theme and a dazzling coda. The first prize in the contest was won by Sicilian-born pianist Giuseppe Andaloro.