Silent Night for Two by Jenny Walker is for four hands and is a fantasia based on the famous carol. It can be played by two intermediate/advanced pianists or a student and teacher. It opens and ends with bell-like octaves and pedal notes. The main melody is played initially by the primo player and the volume and speed picks up as other parts come in. This sparkling showcase is an entertaining take on a seasonal favorite.
This lovely Catalán carol was made popular by the cellist Pablo Casals. Its haunting melody will being something fresh to any Christmas program. This arrangement for intermediates by Rick Robertson is part of the Christmas Memories songbook.
He Is Born, a traditional French carol, arranged in a lyrical styling for intermediates by Sandra Zylstra.
Still, Still, Still, a traditional Austrian carol, arranged in a peaceful lyrical style for intermediates by Sandra Zylstra.
Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean, arranged in a contemporary lyrical style for late intermediate piano by Jennifer Eklund.
It Is Well with My Soul in a lyrical setting with splashes of J.S. Bach’s “Arioso” from BWV 156 & 1056. This pensive solo, arranged by Jennifer Eklund, is ideal for late intermediates.
Slow Rumba, composed by Jenny Walker, is a sassy Latin-style solo full of fun and catchy rhythms. This solo is ideal for intermediates.
Twilight (Crepuscule) is a simple, but beautiful song by Jules Massenet (1842-1912). Here it is arranged by Rick Robertson for piano solo. This will give the expressive student an opportunity to work on shaping long lines. It is also useful as service or wedding music. It also makes a nice encore.
Something Else, by British composer Joanne Griffiths, has a gently meandering melody over an accompaniment of two patterns, two chords and two time signatures. A little quirky lilt changing from 3/4 to 4/4 time will keep your students counting.
Calm, composed by Jenny Walker, is a peaceful meditative solo for intermediates. The left hand provides a gentle, rocking accompaniment, much of which is in the treble clef. The mood is fairly constant throughout and there is room for some rubato when the left hand reach increases towards the middle of the work.
By Your Side, composed by Ryan Chesser, is a sentimental lyrical waltz for intermediates. This selection is part of the Brand New Day songbook.
City Nights, composed by Ryan Chesser, is an elegant lyrical solo for intermediates. This selection is part of the Brand New Day songbook.
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.
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.
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.”
Triumphant, composed by Jennifer Eklund, is an uplifting pop-style solo for intermediates.