Yuletide Treasures: Soundtrack

Blessed Assurance, arranged as a lyrical solo for late intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This sacred classic includes a splash of the Waltz in A-flat major, Op. 39, No. 15 by Johannes Brahms.

Three Eagles’ Spirit, composed by Debbie Center, combines gorgeous harmonies with ambient dissonance, resulting in a hauntingly beautiful solo for intermediates of all ages.

“Picking Marigolds” is a composition written by Travis Lohmann. It explores the use of contemporary harmonies, alternating meters, as well as chordal extensions. While still providing a simple and flowing melody, it is taken through a variety of transformations both harmonic and melodic. Students and teachers alike will enjoy picking apart the musical sequences scattered throughout the piece, as well as the overwhelming sense of serenity this piece brings. Definitely could be used as an interlude for a recital program, or even for social gatherings.

Wistful Waters is a late-intermediate to early-advanced piano work composed by Travis Lohmann. It merges together minimalistic styles as well as elements of French Impressionism, while still focusing on lyrical phrasing and robust melodies. It is a wonderful work with a shimmering beginning, a vigorously emotional middle, and a tempestuous ending. Students will absolutely be enraptured by the ending cadenza. Teachers will enjoy instructing students on various techniques such as: hand-crossing, polyrhythms, rhythmic evenness, and even tremolo!

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

Amazing Grace, by Rick Robertson, is an early-advanced level arrangement of the beloved American hymn tune. It is useful for recital or worship use.

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.

Song of the Northwoods Chickadees is a soothing, ambient lyrical composition by Debbie Center that features lilting bird calls throughout. This piece is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

This is an original work by Jenny, depicting the journey made by a Troika, a Russian vehicle drawn by three horses over a snow-clad landscape. The dotted rhythm of right-hand notes gives a ragtime-like feel to the piece. The mood is cheeky and jovial, an intermediate-level thrill ride.

This is a twinkly little whimsical piece in which composer Stacy Fahrion combines Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with Row Row Row Your Boat. This whimsically macabre showcase solo will delight intermediates of all ages!

Portrait No.2, Spirited Castle is a late intermediate solo composed in the likes of Joe Hisaishi. Students will enjoy the bright and upbeat jazz waltz feel, soaring melody, as well as exploring scintillating quartal harmonies in left hand accompaniment. This piece is perfect for openers or dramatic finishes at recitals, festival solos, and more!

This new lyrical solo from Ryan Chesser is perfect for sipping coffee at your window on wintry days. There are lots of opportunities here for expressiveness, rubato, and plenty of sparkly, crisp notes.

Inner Turmoil is a fury-filled, fast and flashy advanced showcase piano solo by Canadian composer, Lisa Frederick. Perfect for teens looking for an impressive spotlight solo for their next performance.

Serious Moonlight, composed by Ron Levy, is a contemporary lyrical solo, inspired by Claude Debussy’s Clair de lune, for intermediates and late intermediates.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing, arranged by Lisa Shoemaker, covers a range of emotions from joyful exuberance to gentle thoughtfulness. The energetic syncopation makes this a treat for students and church musicians alike!

My Father’s Waltz is a lyrical, pop-style piano solo for intermediate level by Lisa Donovan Lukas. This is a lovely expressive piece and offers an ideal lyrical showcase solo for students of all ages.

What Wondrous Love is This? arranged in a contemporary, light jazz style by Debbie Center, enhancing the hauntingly beautiful melody of this cherished hymn.

Ah, Capella! is a dream-like piece by Debbie Center, inspired by gazing at Capella, one of the brightest stars in the northern sky. Its lush jazz chords fit easily in the hands.