Stars in the Sky

Overture from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, arranged for intermediates, by Lisa Donovan Lukas.

A modern lyrical spin on the Winter concerto theme from Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

Vivaldi’s Winter Theme No. 3 from The Four Seasons, arranged for intermediate piano solo by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Piano Pronto: Finale method book.

Fum, Fum, Fum, a traditional Catalonian carol, stylishly combined with Bach’s iconic Bourree in E minor, arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of the Yuletide Treasures songbook.

Waltz of the Flowers, from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, stylishly arranged for intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Waltz of the Flowers from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker ballet, arranged for intermediates, by Lisa Donovan Lukas.

The Holly & The Ivy, a traditional holiday melody, elegantly arranged for intermediates by Jenny Walker.

Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming arranged in a contemporary lyrical setting by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This holiday selection is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Festive Frolic, composed by Jenny Walker, is a quirky piece full of fun. Starting and finishing in the upper end of the keyboard, it slowly creeps down until we get just a hint of Jingle Bells together with left-hand chord leaps, which can be played slightly slower. The last part of the piece completes the musical sandwich with a playful ending.

January is a high-energy showcase solo with an uplifting principle theme, dramatic middle section, and flashy ending. This is one of a set of 12 month-titled pieces by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM.

March of the Toy Soldiers, from Tchaikovsky’s iconic Nutcracker ballet, arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Winter Frost, composed by Rick Robertson, is a lower-intermediate lyrical solo. Its plaintive sound makes it an interesting reflective solo. The melody is primarily in the left hand.

Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy, arranged by Paul Sweet, is a lightly-macabre spin on a holiday favorite. Tchaikovsky meets Tim Burton in this delightful solo for intermediates!

By the Frozen Mill Pond by Gary Johnston is a wistful piano solo for early intermediates of all ages. This elegant, introspective melody, conjures up images of a frosty day on a frozen pond.

Free Spirit (Aquarius) is a whimsical contemporary solo for intermediates composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This piece is part of the astrology-inspired songbook “Signs of the Time.”

December is a contemplative lyrical intermediate piano solo by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. As with all music, imagery or stories may come to mind when performing or hearing the piece. For the composer, it brings to mind a nighttime journey to Bethlehem by a woman great with child and her husband. This hand-friendly piece will delight intermediates of all ages!

Winter Reverie is a haunting, minor key, contemporary lyrical piano solo for intermediates that is part of the New Horizons songbook. Music by Jennifer Eklund.

Snow Flurries, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level lyrical solo. Pedal effects and mixed accents, including hemiola, add to the atmosphere. This is an excellent choice for recital or festival use.