Circle of Friends: Volume One

Rick Robertson’s Circle of Friends is a two-volume series 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.

Lyric Moments is a collection of thirteen lyrical pieces, composed by Rick Robertson, in different styles to give the performer experience in melodic shaping, tone color, and touch. Styles represented include Romantic lyricism, lush Impressionistic harmony, and even light jazz.

Kaleidoscope Volume 2 is an evocative collection of lyrical showcase solos composed by Rick Robertson. These elegant solos will allow advancing early intermediates to work on musicality and expressive playing via works that are stage-ready and appropriate for all age groups.

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.

No Worries is an uplifting lyrical solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will delight intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Journeys songbook.

Space Waltz, composed by Ron Levy, is a delightful showcase solo for intermediates. This cinematic-style solo will serve as a great performance piece for recitals.

October is an intermediate new age piece by Sarah Reaser O’Brien, NCTM. The constantly moving triplet figures in both hands are meant to evoke the swirling motion of colorful autumn leaves blowing about in the breeze. Rather than centering on a traditional melodic line, October allows students to create a mood or effect by experimenting with dynamic inflection and rubato to vary each performance. Dynamic indications in the score are merely suggestions – performers are meant to make this free-flowing piece their own.

Hold On is a lyrical pop solo ideal for intermediate pianists of any age. Music composed by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Dreamweaver songbook.

Keepin’ It Light is an energetic pop-style solo composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas that will be enjoyed by intermediates of all ages. This piece is part of the Enjoy the Ride songbook.

Reach for the Stars is a collection of elegant and evocative showcase solos for early intermediates composed by Rick Robertson. These pieces make for excellent recital or festival selections.

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.

Set Sail is a collection of eleven, showcase style solos for intermediates composed by Amanda W. Smith. With a balanced mix of flashy and lyrical selections, this songbook will be a favorite with students of all ages!

Wind Whirls, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate level showcase solo. Its passages divided between the hands give it a showy effect, with some interesting harmonies.

A modern lyrical spin on J.S. Bach’s two-part Invention in A minor arranged by Jennifer Eklund. This intermediate solo provides ample opportunity to work on interpretation, rubato, and lyrical artistry.

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.

August is a new age piano solo, composed by Sarah Reaser O’Brien NCTM, for intermediate and late intermediate pianists. The pedagogical focus of this selection is small hand accessibility. The waltz-time setting and straight eighths are ideal for helping players achieve a fluid technique and a sense of forward motion. The melodic content is “hidden” within the right hand eighths and gives ample opportunity for developing sophisticated voicing.

Winds of Change is a collection of twelve showcase solos composed by Ryan Chesser. These showcase solos are ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Journeys is an engaging collection of twelve contemporary solos by Lisa Donovan Lukas featuring an array of tonal centers and styles. These selections are ideal showcase pieces for intermediates of all ages.