Marionette

The Lovelorn Lobster is a song from 1897 with words by Joseph W. Herbert. Stacy Fahrion wrote her own original whimsically macabre music to the poignant lyrics about love between a lobster and a piscatorial maiden going terribly awry. A timeless, classic theme for Valentine’s Day, or any occasion!

This book presents strategies for learning to play polyrhythms, from the most common ones, such as two against three, up through four against five. It contains rhythm exercises, improvisation suggestions, and thirteen pieces based on polyrhythms. Once you’ve worked with the book, you might develop intense cravings for more polyrhythms, and may even be inspired to compose polyrhythmic pieces of your own.

Intermezzo in E-Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical Romantic solo suitable for students of all ages.

With an accompaniment inspired by the slow movement of Chopin’s Third Sonata, Ron Levy has composed a meditative piano solo with an enchanting melody in a stately setting. This intermediate level composition focuses on building and sustaining a long lyrical line over a steady, supportive left hand.

Something More is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo for intermediates by British composer Joanne Griffiths.

Sun Suite, by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick, is a set of three contemporary lyrical solos celebrating the beauty of the sun at different points of the day. This set is ideal for intermediates of all ages and will function well as a set or as separate showcase solos.

Intermezzo in B, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a maturing pianist. It gives the growing performer experience in a less-frequently encountered key, and could be used as wedding or service music as well.

Portrait No.2, Spirited Castle is a late intermediate solo composed in the likes of Joe Hisaishi. Students will enjoy the bright and upbeat jazz waltz feel, soaring melody, as well as exploring scintillating quartal harmonies in left hand accompaniment. This piece is perfect for openers or dramatic finishes at recitals, festival solos, and more!

Ebb & Flow is a collection of eleven contemporary solos by British composer, Joanne Griffiths. Intermediates of all ages will enjoy exploring the various genres encapsulated in this collection of ambient solos.

Musical Mosaics Volume Two is a collection of ten showcase solos for intermediate and late intermediates composed by Lisa Shoemaker. Covering a wide variety of genres and styles, these make for lovely selections for a recital or festival.

Chanson, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate-level lyrical solo. With its haunting melody and interesting harmonic turns this piece is useful for recitals, weddings, or church services.

A Wise Old Owl is inspired by a nursery rhyme of the same title and set here as a whimsically macabre solo for intermediates by Stacy Fahrion. If you’re playing on a grand piano, before beginning the piece you can silently depress the low F octave and sustain it throughout with the sostenuto pedal for an added mysterious effect. This is an optional effect, and the piece still works well without it. The damper pedal is often left down for extended periods of time as well for a swirling effect.

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.

Intermezzo in B Flat Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an late-intermediate level Romantic lyrical piano solo. It appeals to pianists of all ages, and is suitable for recital and audition use.

Taken Aback is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.

Drifting, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is a moody, minor-key meandering piece that provides intermediates ample opportunity to develop smooth, flowing left hand triplet patterns, as well as gain experience with the una corda pedal.

Tristesse, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. Its “nocturne” or “romance” style lends it to recital or festival performance, as well as in service playing.

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.