Book of Spells: Guided Improvisation for Pianists

Tristesse, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level lyrical solo. Its “nocturne” or “romance” style lends it to recital or festival performance, as well as in service playing.

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.

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.

If You Believe, 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 developing pianist. It can also be used in wedding or service playing.

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.

Intermezzo in E-Flat, composed by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical Romantic solo suitable for students of all ages.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Moonlight Nocturne is a haunting intermediate lyrical solo composed by Lisa Shoemaker. This elegant work is ideal for students who love to play with passion and a touch of drama!

Imagination is an elegant lyrical showcase solo for late intermediates composed by British composer Jenny Walker.

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.

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.

This piece starts out mostly normal, staying close to Stephen Foster’s piece, but then something goes awry and it ends up in the parallel minor. Music by Stacy Fahrion.

Bittersweet, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate-level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. The melody features a slight rhythmic lilt, and there is an added surprise of a key change at the end. It will make an excellent recital choice for the growing performer.

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.