The Lullabies & Laments songbook features eleven originals solos initially inspired in 2023 by the arrival of my grandson Theo. It was clear from the start that gentle piano music consoled him, so I endeavored to write him his own lullaby.
Each dedicated piece requires controlled, balanced and calm playing. The repetitive, gently rocking rhythms aim to be soothing to both player and listener, with an overall relaxing feeling and an easing of any tension.
The Pilburys are a fictional family full of fun and quirks and may not be all that different from your own family! This collection of twelve charming solos, composed by Joanne Griffiths, are ideal for beginners and late beginners of all ages and will hopefully inspire students to compose music about their own families!
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.
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.
Double Takes is a set of seven pairs of Rags and Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, and inspired by J.S.Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Each pair is a study in contrasting styles, mood, rhythm, tempo, articulation, dynamic range and textures.
The collection progresses up the keyboard, through a range of keys beginning on C and ending with B, and covers many pedagogical techniques for an intermediate pianist whilst still remaining engaging and fun.
Mrs. Flynn is a lovely contemplative solo for beginners that serves as an excellent introduction to cross-hand playing and steady eighth notes. This piece by Joanne Griffiths is part of her songbook entitled “Meet the Pilburys.”
Grandpa’s Jig is a lively showcase solo for beginners that serves as an excellent introduction to playing in 6/8 time. This piece by Joanne Griffiths is part of her songbook entitled “Meet the Pilburys.”
Starboard Shanty, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is an upbeat minor-key shanty ideal for beginners of all ages.
Shoreside Shanty, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a lively swinging shanty sure to delight late beginners of all ages!
Stella’s Stomp is an easy, fun boogie by British composer Joanne Griffiths. This piece introduces swing rhythm and blue notes, with a solid beat and confident octave changes.
Child’s Play is a mini-suite consisting of three short pieces written by Joanne Griffiths, for left-hand only, for beginners and late-beginners. Fun to play and gives extra emphasis and practice reading the bass clef.
Midnight Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is a contemplative, gentle solo, based on seventh-chords with a five-finger repetitive phrase. Variations on a theme, balancing the melody, harmonic structure and creating an atmosphere are all techniques required to play this mournful tune.
Carrington Rag is a fun ragtime piece for early intermediates by British composer Jo Griffiths. Splash around with syncopation, try out some moderate chromaticism and play with the changes in articulation and dynamics, but most of all, have some fun!
Left Hand Rag, is a fun early intermediate ragtime style piece for the left hand, by British composer Joanne Griffiths. Reminiscent of a Joplin Rag, it is a workout for the left hand with plenty of bass reading and includes syncopation, chromaticism, pattern-based riffs and lots of bass reading.
Roker Park Rag is a jaunty, early intermediate piano solo by British composer Joanne Griffiths. It is a fun character piece with chromaticism, staccato octave jumps, and lots of opportunity for comedic expression.
Seven Sisters is a study in 7/8 time, inspired directly by Etude No.16 by Philip Glass. There are two main motifs that are introduced individually. One low in the bass and the other high in the treble, that are then combined to create some fun crossing the hands back and forth over a driving ostinato based on only two chords. There is plenty of scope for dynamic variation and sensitivity to tonal balance, whilst also playing with energy and imagination.
Take It Easy, is a smooth jazz solo composed by Joanne Griffiths full of lush harmonies and a lilting rhythmic flow. This piece is part of the Double Takes songbook that features progressive pairs of jazz, rags, and blues-inspired solos.
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.
Chromatic Rag, composed by Joanne Griffiths, is an exciting cacophony of contrary motion chromatic scales, tamed into a jaunty pastiche of Joplin. It is based on popular left-hand patterns, interspersed with symmetrical chromatic runs, and therefore suitable for an intermediate player.
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.
Something To Come Home To is a cozy and flowing intermediate level lyrical solo by British composer, Joanne Griffiths.
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 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.
Lamentations is suite of solos composed by Joanne Griffiths for intermediate players to explore time signature changes, comparisons between simple and compound time, minimalism, and mostly how to express mood and emotion. Breathe is a peaceful, calming minimalist piece pushing the boundaries of 3/4 time and crossing it with more than a suggestion of 6/8. For Carolyn is an uplifting piece with lilting, contrasting themes, in Rondo form. Finally, Sorrow is an expression of grief, with a “bell tolling” theme throughout. It is also minimalist, centered around A minor and changing from 3 to 4 beats in the bar and covering several octaves of the piano.
