The In Between

In Harmony All Ways features nine ambient, lyrical solos by composer Debbie Center. These soothing piano reflections inspired by Minnesota’s Lake Country will provide enjoyment for intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

Alone, but Not Lonely by Rick Robertson is an intermediate-level lyrical solo. This contemplative showcase will appeal to pianists of all ages.

This piece was inspired by a breathtaking midnight kayak ride on our lake in northern Minnesota. It was my birthday, and the water was completely still, beautifully reflecting every star as well as the rising Super Moon.

Goldeneyes’ Farewell is a gorgeous impressionistic tribute to ten migrating Goldeneye ducks that Debbie Center photographed in front of her Minnesota lake home. Ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Three Eagles’ Spirit, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

Missing You Already is a contemplative lyrical solo by Debbie Center. This flowing, elegant piece will delight intermediates of all ages!

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.

Ruby Skies is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo, for late intermediates and beyond, composed by Jennifer Eklund. This solo makes for a lovely recital selection or as music in church services.

Emerald Gem, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a haunting melody. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

First Flower, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a great exercise to introduce students to shifting meters and rubato. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.

This new lyrical solo from Ryan Chesser is perfect for sipping coffee at your window on wintry days. There are lots of opportunities here for expressiveness, rubato, and plenty of sparkly, crisp notes.

Lighthouse in the Fog, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate level Impressionist lyrical solo. It is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals.

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.