Waiting

In his third installment of the Kaleidoscope series, composer Rick Robertson spins a web of evocative, elegant harmonies encapsulated within thirteen spectacular solos for advancing intermediates. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Clocks by Joanne Griffiths has a contemporary feel with echoes of Philip Glass. Control, balance and concentration will be needed to maintain the 2 against 3 cross rhythms. Ideal for intermediates of all ages!

Edvard Grieg’s lyric piece, To Spring, arranged for intermediate piano solo by Jennifer Eklund. Retains the original key signature, but shortens, and simplifies the main theme. Part of the Piano Pronto: Encore method book.

Questions, composed by Rick Robertson is a late intermediate lyrical solo. It has a haunting melody full of interesting harmonic turns.

Rain is a pensive lyrical style showcase piano solo for late intermediate pianists. New Age meets Baroque, contemporary styling with elegant contrapuntal touches.

New Beginnings is an upbeat and uplifting contemporary pop-style solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This selection will delight intermediates of all ages and makes a great recital or festival piece.

“Picking Marigolds” is a composition written by Travis Lohmann. It explores the use of contemporary harmonies, alternating meters, as well as chordal extensions. While still providing a simple and flowing melody, it is taken through a variety of transformations both harmonic and melodic. Students and teachers alike will enjoy picking apart the musical sequences scattered throughout the piece, as well as the overwhelming sense of serenity this piece brings. Definitely could be used as an interlude for a recital program, or even for social gatherings.

Sweet Farewell is a lyrical contemporary solo for intermediates of all ages that is part of the Dreamweaver songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Guilty as Charged is a light-hearted contemporary lyrical solo ideal for late intermediate pianists. Words and music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

An elegant piano solo interpretation of the first movement of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto in A Minor (RV. 356). This full-length arrangement by Jennifer Eklund will allow late intermediates and up to work on lyrical phrasing, dynamics, and rubato. The approximate run time of this solo is 4:00.

Keep the Change is a lyrical jazz waltz in B minor with a written out improvisation. Great as a launching point for intermediates into jazz studies.

My Father’s Waltz is a lyrical, pop-style piano solo for intermediate level by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This is a lovely expressive piece and offers an ideal lyrical showcase solo for students of all ages.

Ode to Joy arranged in a contemporary lyrical style for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Dance of the Loons, by Debbie Center, was inspired by the wail and tremolo calls of the loons on her northern Minnesota lake. The piano mimics the calls of the loons in this hauntingly beautiful tribute to Minnesota’s state bird. This piece is on Debbie’s CD entitled “In Harmony All Ways.”

Beyond the Stars is a quiet and contemplative lyrical piano solo for late intermediate pianists. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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.

Aloha Oe (Farewell to Thee), arranged in a lyrical style for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version, transposed to the key of D minor, is ideal for intermediate level pianists.