Spring Reverie

Picking Daisies, composed by Travis Lohmann, is a light-hearted and jovial jazz-influenced waltz appropriate for mid-intermediate to advanced pianists, and focuses on such concepts as: cantabile legato lines, syncopated rhythms, dynamic expressivity, left and right hand leaps, triplet passage work and rolled chords. Best suited as a showcase solo, the highlight of this piece is the written-out solo over the chord changes, sure to dazzle the audience. With dexterous phrases, catchy melodic segments, and infectious rhythms, this piece is certain to brighten your day and those nearby!

Picking Lilacs, composed by Travis Lohmann, features light influences of jazz, as well as lyrically phrased melodies. Best suited for mid to late-intermediate pianists, this composition can work both as a contemplative opener for a concert, as well as middle interlude between selections. The light-hearted tone of this piece, as well as its whimsical nature is sure to be a perfect performance piece for any concert.

“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.

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.

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.

Arietta, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate-level lyrical solo. Its plaintive melody over a rich harmonic palette appeals to pianists of all ages.

This is a twinkly little whimsical piece in which composer Stacy Fahrion combines Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with Row Row Row Your Boat. This whimsically macabre showcase solo will delight intermediates of all ages!

Elegie, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate solo with a mature sound. It wanders around in some unrelated keys in the manner of Shostakovich, and full chords and octaves add to the overall picture.

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.

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.

Twilight (Crepuscule) is a simple, but beautiful song by Jules Massenet (1842-1912). Here it is arranged by Rick Robertson for piano solo. This will give the expressive student an opportunity to work on shaping long lines. It is also useful as service or wedding music. It also makes a nice encore.

This is a wistful waltz by Jenny Walker, with a slightly quirky melody and steady waltz-like base line. The middle section has a deeper, more self-assured feel and switches to the major key. The piece is to be played with extreme sensitivity, especially at the end when the marionette finally runs out of steam.

This wistfully whimsical piece by Stacy Fahrion expresses The Farmer in the Dell’s unrequited love for Adele. Ideal 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.

Seasons Change, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It is a study in melodic shaping, chord balance, and arpeggio accompaniment, and will appeal to pianists of all ages.

Pernicious Pumpkin is a whimsically macabre concoction of nursery rhymes by Stacy Fahrion. This eclectic, minor-key gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

Goodnight, Sweet Dreams is a Composers Today award winning composition by Lisa Donovan Lukas. An inspirational contemporary lyrical showcase solo, ideal for the advanced student.

A playful intermediate level composition by Debbie Center. You’ll love the surprises as it echoes the call of the Song Sparrow and gets it dancing. Free nature play-along track included with purchase!