Chanson

Sky Castles, by Lisa Donovan Lukas, is a delightful, upbeat, lyrical showcase piece for the early intermediate pianist.

Once Upon a Time is a whimsically macabre solo composed by Stacy Fahrion that is part of the songbook of the same title. This eerie showcase piece is ideal for early intermediates and beyond.

Valse Sentimentale is a pensive lyrical waltz composed by Rick Robertson that is ideal for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Reach for the Stars songbook.

Reassurance, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a gentle sway in its rhythm, and a memorable melody. It could also be used as worship service music. It was inspired by the self-isolation and “social distancing” of the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020.

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.

Space Waltz, composed by Ron Levy, is a delightful showcase solo for intermediates. This cinematic-style solo will serve as a great performance piece for recitals.

Falling Leaves is an intermediate level lyrical contemporary solo that is part of the Shades of You and Impressions songbooks. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

This ethereal piece by Stacy Fahrion quietly subverts the meaning of the famous poem by Lord Byron. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Shades of You is a gentle, lyrical solo for intermediates composed by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Shades of You songbook.

Castle in the Clouds is an elegant solo for advancing early intermediates of all ages composed by Jennifer Eklund. This showcase solo is a great way to introduce syncopation and an advanced key signature since the piece requires very few shifts in hand position.

Distant Bells is an elegant polyrhythmic etude for early intermediates composed by Stacy Fahrion. This piece serves as an excellent introduction to playing two against three between the hands.

Snow Flurries, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. Pedal effects and mixed accents, including hemiola, add to the atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for recital or festival use.

Look to the Sky, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical, elementary level solo. It has the bonus of an optional duet/obligato part, playable on piano, flute, or violin.

Nocturne in G Minor, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate-level lyrical solo. It serves well as an introduction to the Romantic period, especially the music of Chopin. There is even a short cadenza-type passage near the end.

Lullaby, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a lyrical and expressive piece, suitable for an intermediate player. It is based on the primary chords of D major, with the occasional chromatic twist.

Sky Castles songbook features eleven charming contemporary lyrical solos for intermediates and beyond. With its harmonic elegance this collection will be a staple that students of all ages can grow with as they progress through lessons.

This is a lyrical piano ballad in waltz time for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melody is made almost entirely of ascending and descending pentascales (5-note scales) on white keys. The accompaniment for left hand requires a hand span primarily of melodic octaves with an occasional melodic tenth. The ternary form features a middle section with surprising harmonies and a deceptive cadence. Middle and high school students will find this piece both accessible and rewarding.

Sailor’s Tale, composed by Rick Robertson is an early intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. A simply-harmonized opening theme is contrasted with a more tumultuous middle section featuring broken chords divided between the hands. This will make an excellent recital selection and is part of the Reach for the Stars songbook.