Saying Goodbye

Daytime Dreaming’ is a light, cheerful solo by Chrisanne Nahum in the key of C Major. This graceful, lilting waltz is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Hold On is a lyrical pop solo ideal for intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

By the River, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. Its gentle rocking in the left-hand accompaniment suggests the gentle flow of a river. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a developing pianist and could also be used as service music.

La Luna Canta, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. The melody, supported by a triplet figuration, suggests another famous “moon” piece and the Schubert Impromptu in G-flat, and both inspired this piece. It is an effective recital selection, and could be used in wedding preludes or even as a church offertory.

Something Borrowed, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

The Book of Spells by Stacy Fahrion is designed to ease intermediate pianists of all ages into improvising in different imaginative ways, using different time signatures, modes, pentatonic scales, odd meters, and occasional 2:3 polyrhythms. Each spell has at least one section where pianists have the opportunity to create their own melodies, using a suggested rhythm to help them get started. Most of the pieces feature an ostinato of some kind in the left hand. Several of these pieces are inspired by the composer’s studies of North Indian ragas. This book is ideal for intermediate pianists who would like to learn to improvise and compose their own music, and is also a source of fresh ideas for students who are already improvising and composing.

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.

Wistfully, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical solo. It is written in a “romantic movie” style, and will make a nice brief recital solo, or as a musical interlude in a worship service.

Silver Lining, composed by Amanda W. Smith, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Set Sail songbook.

Hopeful Dream is an original piano composition in a very romantic and nostalgic style, composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This is a beautiful lyrical showcase piano solo at the intermediate level, and suitable for recitals, weddings, anniversaries, or repertoire where an expressive, melodic piece might be called for.

From My Heart to Yours is a jubilant lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Capture the Moment is lyrical pop-style solo for intermediates composed by Heather Nanney. With its intriguing melodic lines, this is a great recital piece for all ages.

It’s Now or Never, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an inspirational lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Brand New Day songbook.

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!

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.

Dreamweaver is an uplifting contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Music by Jennifer Eklund. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Reminiscense, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. It has a haunting melody with a contrasting middle section.

Something Reminiscent, by British composer Joanne Griffiths, has a reflective, lyrical melody over a repetitive, pattern based accompaniment with influences of Max Richter. Based around the C minor triad there are technical demands of evenness of touch and balance between hands, with a little left over right crossing for dramatic effect.