Chalumeau

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.

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.

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.

Isolation was written in early 2020 by Stacy Fahrion. This expressive intermediate piece begins and ends in 5/4, and features palindromic rhythms (rhythms that are the same backwards and forwards) and a gentle two against three polyrhythm in the middle section.

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.

Intermezzo in B Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is a late-intermediate-level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It has a calm, understated mood and is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for recitals or festivals.

Valse Cecile, composed by Rick Robertson, is an late intermediate level piano solo. It is a lyrical waltz written in homage to the French composer Cecile Chaminade (1857-1944), and is suitable for recital, or audition and festival use.

Prelude-Arabesque, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level lyrical solo. There are two themes, one more harmonic (broken chords), and one more lyrical.

Awkward Waltz is a tender, minor-key anthem for introverts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This contemplative gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

Planetarium, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate ambient solo. It is a useful study in finger dexterity and delicacy, and is effective in performance.

Portrait No.1, Definitive Road, is a solo composed in the harmonic and melodic tendencies of Thomas Newman. Students will enjoy exploring the mysterious yet emotional chord qualities of this piece, as well as the variations of the melodic theme. This mid-intermediate to advanced level solo by Travis Lohmann is perfect for recital programming, preludes, and more.

Wayward Blackbird interweaves Chopin-esque basslines with familiar nursery rhymes This Old Man and Sing a Song of Sixpence in this whimsically macabre showcase solo by Stacy Fahrion.

Wandering is a beautiful, intermediate lyrical solo by composer Lisa Shoemaker. Rubato style and an uplifting sound will make this a student favorite!

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.

March of the Toy Soldiers from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, stylishly arranged as a sassy jazzy romp for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Yuletide Treasures songbook.

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.”

Those Who See, But Are Not Seen is a melancholy solo for sad ghosts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Lika’s Lullaby is a pensive, contemplative lyrical solo composed by Debbie Center. Full of rich harmonies and a lilting melody this piece is ideal for intermediates to work on rubato and expressive playing.