Recuerdos de la Alhambra

Pernicious Pumpkin is a whimsically macabre concoction of nursery rhymes by Stacy Fahrion. This eclectic, minor-key gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

In his third installment of the Kaleidoscope series, composer Rick Robertson spins a web of evocative, elegant harmonies encapsulated within thirteen spectacular solos for advancing intermediates. This book contains selections for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

The Scottish Reivers were gangs of horsemen who raided the towns along the border of England and Scotland from the 13th to the 17th century. They were master riders and were revered across the land. Each year the town of Duns in Scotland has a festival to celebrate the Reivers. This showcase solo for beginners is inspired by my many childhoods dancing in the town’s Market Square waiting to see the riders come through!

Composer Stacy Fahrion transforms A Tisket, A Tasket and part of My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean into a whimsically melancholy statement about the pain and inevitability of loss. On the Way I Lost It is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Aloha Oe (Farewell to Thee), arranged in a lyrical style for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.

Waiting is a haunting, contemporary style piano solo for late intermediate/early advanced students by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This is a beautifully expressive lyrical showcase piece for maturing students of all ages.

Wistful Waltz, composed by Stacy Fahrion, is a mysterious, Chopin-esque waltz with a very un-Chopin-like modal middle section and an abundance of tritones. Ideal for early advanced level pianists of all ages.

Awkward Waltz is a tender, minor-key anthem for introverts composed by Stacy Fahrion. This contemplative gem will be a hit with teens and intermediates of all ages.

Clocks by Joanne Griffiths has a contemporary feel with echoes of Philip Glass. Control, balance and concentration will be needed to maintain the 2 against 3 cross rhythms. Ideal for intermediates of all ages!

Circle of Friends, by Rick Robertson, is a two-volume collection containing a total of 24 character pieces for piano in each of the major and minor keys (minus enharmonic equivalents), in a manner similar to the Prelude sets by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the like. The sequence as published is arranged in a rough order of difficulty, allowing for convenience in page turns here and there.

The title alludes as well to the familiar “Circle of Keys’. As for “friends”, each piece is dedicated to a close friend, colleague, or student. A few pieces in Volume One are at the early intermediate level, while Volume Two is solidly at the intermediate level with a steady trajectory of more demanding musical concepts.

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

Londonderry Air (O, Danny Boy) arranged in a lyrical and up-tempo jazzy style for intermediates. Arranged by Jennifer Eklund.

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.

Circle of Friends, by Rick Robertson, is a two-volume collection containing a total of 24 character pieces for piano in each of the major and minor keys (minus enharmonic equivalents), in a manner similar to the Prelude sets by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and the like. The sequence as published is arranged in a rough order of difficulty, allowing for convenience in page turns here and there.

The title alludes as well to the familiar “Circle of Keys’. As for “friends”, each piece is dedicated to a close friend, colleague, or student. A few pieces in Volume One are at the early intermediate level, while Volume Two is solidly at the intermediate level with a steady trajectory of more demanding musical concepts.

This wistfully whimsical piece by Stacy Fahrion expresses The Farmer in the Dell’s unrequited love for Adele. Ideal for intermediates of all ages.

New Beginnings is an upbeat and uplifting contemporary pop-style solo by Canadian composer Lisa Frederick. This selection will delight intermediates of all ages and makes a great recital or festival piece.

Little Tarantella, composed by Jenny Walker, mimics the Italian style of folk dance that has an upbeat, triple time tempo accompanied by tambourines. This lively solo is ideal for advancing intermediates of all ages.

Based on the traditional English folk song and nursery rhyme, “Lavender’s Blue,” this delightful arrangement by Jenny Walker adds unexpected harmonies and key changes. The march-like 4/4 section gives a new, sombre feel which quickly gives way to a brighter, more flamboyant ending.