Autumn Leaves

For many people, November is a month for giving thanks. This intermediate piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM, is a contemporary rendering of a hymn-like melody. November symbolizes a musical token of gratitude for family and friends who have been with us through good times and bad and with whom we love to spend our time. The ternary form offers an uplifting first section followed by a middle theme of more serious and reflective implication. The middle theme modulates into a return of the first in a new key, representing a triumphant overcoming of life’s struggles with the help of those we hold dear.

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

Misty Morning is a Satie-esque, reflective solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. Ideal for early intermediates of all ages, this piece offers a great opportunity to introduce students to the concept of rubato. This piece is part of the Shades of You songbook.

Autumn Reverie, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is an elegant minor-key waltz for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Rhapsodies and Reveries songbook.

Autumn Leaves, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant lyrical solo for early intermediates. This selection is part of the Winds of Change songbook.

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.

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.

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Dark Waters, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is a haunting lyrical waltz for early intermediates and up.

Where Beauty Lives (Libra) is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

Simple Gifts arranged by Jennifer Eklund in a contemporary lyrical style ideal for intermediates of all ages. This version is part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

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.

Autumn Theme No. 1 from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi. Arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Piano Pronto: Movement 5 method book.

Hymne, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lyrical solo with a mature sound. It is highly melodic and suitable for recital or service use.

March is a gentle lullaby for intermediate pianists by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The melodic line is brought to life by a hauntingly complex, yet very accessible, harmonic accompaniment which never requires stretching more than an octave.

At the Edge by Amanda W. Smith is a wistful lyrical solo for intermediate pianists of any age. This piece offers a wonderful opportunity to work on rubato and expressive playing.

A modern lyrical spin on J.S. Bach’s two-part Invention in A minor arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

March of the Scarecrows, composed by Gary Johnston, is an early intermediate level Sousa-style march in 6/8 used by the scarecrows as they set off for work in the corn fields on a bright August day!