Intermezzo in E-Flat

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 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.

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.

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!

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.

Chopin’s iconic Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1, remixed in a modern lyrical spin by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow abridged version is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

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.

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

Autrefois (In Olden Days), composed by Rick Robertson, is a late intermediate lyrical solo that is an appropriate repertoire piece for recitals, contests, and festivals. It recalls the Paris of the late nineteenth century, with its evocation of early Impressionism. This piece is part of the Kaleidoscope Volume 3 songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Graceful and charming, this original bagatelle by Paul Sweet is as delightful as a spring day. Teachers and students will delight in shaping its multi-voice textures and expressive potential.

Day is Done, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. A slow-moving theme with harmonic richness contrasts with a middle section that presses forward, returning to the first theme for a conclusion. This is appropriate for recital or festival, in addition to worship services as a prelude or offertory.

Impressions is a suite of contemporary lyrical solos by Jennifer Eklund that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Nice Little Monster is a bluesy piece by Stacy Fahrion about a creature that is tired of being called a little monster. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.

Paper Airplane by Sara Tomlinson is an expressive and flowing piece at the late intermediate level. Students will find the chromatic scales and left-hand crossovers fun and impressive. Suitable for students for intermediates of all ages.

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.

A hair-raising, haunting tarantella by Stacy Fahrion with an abundance of crunchy minor 2nds and a slower, nostalgic middle section.