12-Toed Foe

Valse Parisienne is a lyrical piano solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. Inspired by Chopin’s Waltz in B minor, this waltz is ideal for intermediates of all ages and a great way to introduce the concept of rubato.

Mood Swings is an evocative collection of twelve character pieces composed by Jenny Walker. These contemporary solos for late-intermediate and advanced pianists provide a delightful landscape of harmonies and contemporary stylings that span a variety of genres.

Something on the Slide is a Satie-esque waltz composed by British composer Joanne Grifiths. The accompaniment is built on two positions, C and G, with octave leaps from the bass to the chord. Awareness of balance between the hands is needed for this, to bring out the melody.

Frenzy!, composed by Rick Robertson, is a fast & flashy late intermediate level toccata, with driving rhythms and quartal harmonies. It would make an exciting recital or festival selection.

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.

Haunted Reverie, composed by Ron Levy, is a haunting lyrical solo, in the style of Erik Satie, for intermediates and beyond.

Moonlight is a lyrical solo with a splash of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” throughout. This piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is ideal for intermediates and is part of the Let’s Quest Volume 3 songbook.

Portrait No. 5: Refractions is an intermediate selection by Travis Lohmann, paying tribute to the minimalistic stylings of the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt. The main focus of this piece is slow moving harmonic changes which gradually shift over time. Performers will enjoy the lyrical yet longing melody which gently plays over top the bed of simplistic yet increasingly interesting harmonies. Teachers can help students discover and analyze the changing harmonies throughout. A wonderful selection for both voice-leading and dynamics, this piece is a fine addition for both recital and concerts.

Cookie Waltz has its origin in my very first composition, written while an undergraduate at Orange Coast College under the tutelage of Dr. Edith Smith. The original title, Mookwipp No. 1, seemed a bit strange in retrospect, so I transformed it thus: mook–> cook–>cookie…Cookie Waltz!

Intermezzo in B, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is very effective in performance, and makes an excellent repertoire choice for a maturing pianist. It gives the growing performer experience in a less-frequently encountered key, and could be used as wedding or service music as well.

Masquerade is a whimsical lyrical waltz in B minor composed by Chrisanne Nahum. This piece is ideally suited for intermediates and will delight students of all ages!

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.

Viva Mexico, composed by Barbara Becker, is a suite of showcase solos for early intermediates and up. These delightful pieces, full of character and lush harmonies will brighten your next recital or festival performance!

Chanson, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate-level lyrical solo. With its haunting melody and interesting harmonic turns this piece is useful for recitals, weddings, or church services.

Tricks & Treats features eleven Halloween-themed showcase solos composed by Stacy Fahrion. Full of quirky harmonies, odd meters, and playful takes on folk melodies, these pieces will be a treat for intermediates of all ages at any time of the year!

The Ocean’s Fury, by Rick Robertson is an intermediate to late intermediate showcase solo. Written in the style of a “concert etude,” a section of rapid alternating-hand passages contrasts with a more lyrical center section. This piece has the added benefit of being less difficult than it looks or sounds, and should be a “hit” for recitals and festivals.

Open Spaces, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, is a part of a series of pieces focused on contemporary idioms. This piece serves to introduce students to playing in a free meter with the absence of barlines and is suitable as a contemporary festival selection.