Isolation

Chopin’s iconic Nocturne in F Minor, Op. 55, No. 1, remixed in a modern lyrical spin by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow abridged version is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

Beethoven’s iconic Moonlight Sonata in a modern lyrical spin arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This mild and mellow version, transposed to the key of D minor, is ideal for intermediate level pianists.

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.

The Exquisite Melancholy of Everything Left Unuttered is a delicate waltz in E minor composed by Stacy Fahrion. There is an optional cut notated in the score to accommodate students at a lower intermediate level.

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.

Cheaha Skyline, by Rick Robertson, is an intermediate level lyrical piano solo, written in homage to his home state of Alabama. Cheaha Mountain, at 2,413 feet, is the highest point in Alabama.

Monday’s Child is a suite of seven character pieces, composed by Joanne Griffiths, based on the children’s traditional British fortune-telling poem “Monday’s Child.” It is contemporary in style, particularly influenced by Ludovico Einaudi and Arvo Part. The pieces are mainly light and gentle in mood with meditative patterns, sequences, imitation and repetition at the core and topped with lyrical melodies, portraying the character of each child for that day.

This mysterious-sounding intermediate-level etude by Stacy Fahrion is ideal for introducing quarter-note triplets to students, and also is a wonderful recital piece. It eases students into playing 2 against 3 and 3 against 2 polyrhythms, and through playing it, students will learn how eighth-note triplets and quarter-note triplets relate. It begins in G Dorian and ends in D minor. Proxima Centauri is the closest star to the sun, but isn’t visible to the eye alone.

Interlude, by Rick Robertson, is a peaceful and pensive minor-key solo for intermediates. This piece is part of the Souvenirs songbook.

Toccata Staccata, composed by Rick Robertson is an intermediate level showcase solo. Its staccato parallel chords with a hint of Latin flavor give the advancing performer an exciting showpiece.

Something like Glass, written by British composer, Joanne Griffiths is a study in consistent and even playing of triplets in the right hand, with changing clefs in the left hand that explore the outer areas of the keyboard. Intermediates will enjoy the essence of Philip Glass that flows through this evocative solo.

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.

Ebb & Flow is a collection of eleven contemporary solos by British composer, Joanne Griffiths. Intermediates of all ages will enjoy exploring the various genres encapsulated in this collection of ambient solos.

Chalumeau, composed by Rick Robertson is a late-intermediate level solo in a neo-Romantic lyrical style. It is inspired by the “chalumeau” register of the clarinet, with its low, rich tones (named after a reed instrument that preceded the clarinet). The melody lies close to the middle of the keyboard, and the accompaniment moves above and below it, giving an opportunity to work on voicing and balance.

Peaceful Slumber, composed by Jenny Walker, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 5/8 time.

In Harmony All Ways features nine ambient, lyrical solos by composer Debbie Center. These soothing piano reflections inspired by Minnesota’s Lake Country will provide enjoyment for intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages.

Emerald Gem, composed by Ron Levy, is a meditative solo for intermediates, full of lush harmonies and a haunting melody. Cover photography from Back Bay, Newport Beach by Ron Levy.

Fading into Twilight is a mysterious, minor key, contemporary lyrical solo that will be a hit with intermediates of all ages. Part of the Dreamweaver songbook. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.