The Easy Piano Series Classical: 16 pieces for elementary pianists
This is the latest book in Faber's popular Easy Piano series and it will be published at the end of January. It consists of 16 arrangements of well-known classical pieces, including famous piano pieces, as well as music from the world of opera, song, ballet, and the orchestra. The pieces are advertised as Grade 1 to 2 standard, however a couple are definitely slightly beyond that but all are so well-done that pianists up to Grade 4 or 5 standard will enjoy the easier ones as sight reading or quick learns.
There is an arrangement of ‘Ode to Joy’ that is more ambitious than the standard beginner arrangements; a beautiful version of ‘Air on the G String’; a more Grade 3 or 4 level lyrical version of Schubert's ‘Ave Maria’; and a very effective arrangement – for this level – of the opening movement from ‘Eine kleine Nachtmusik’. It is great for pianists to get away from a specific piano-music-only mindset, and this is a perfect way to do it. The habanera from Bizet's Carmen, The ‘Trout’ theme, and the waltz from Swan Lake are all skilfully arranged and a pleasure to play. There is also a non-arranged Bach, ‘Prelude in C’, with useful editorial dynamics. What more could we possibly want?
No Words Necessary: 12 pieces for intermediate level
Melanie Spanswick is a British pianist, author, writer, teacher, adjudicator, presenter, and composer. No Words Necessary is a collection of pieces at approximately intermediate level – about Grades 3 to 6. The rather prosaic cover of this collection of pieces belies the imaginative and appealing music inside and Heine's quote, ‘where words leave off, music begins,’ is aptly included in the preface.
Each piece has a title which will provoke discussion, enable interpretation and stimulate the imagination.
The pieces are in a minimalist style with some being more introspective (‘Lost in Thought’) and others leaning towards the étude style (‘China Doll). Recordings of all the pieces can be found on at youtube.com/user/ClassicalMel. There is much to delight the teenage minimalism-loving intermediate pianist (and their teacher) here.
Fun, Games and Party Pieces For Beginner Piano
If ever a composer knew how to capture and retain a young beginner pianist's attention, it was Rosa Conrad. Her two Delightfully Easy Piano Duets books are well named, and this new little book is a treasure trove of ideas, games and activities for piano teachers, pupils, and their friends. It is designed to be used alongside beginner methods, as an extra source of fun and interest. We are encouraged to tap a rhythm, play chords, try tunes in different octaves or keys, make variations, and have fun.
There are over 14 pieces, each with ideas for how to make them more interesting. For example ‘Popcorn’ has words, an easy duet part for a friend, and some clapping and knocking accompaniments too. The imagery is perfect for young pianists – ‘Smooth or Spiky?’ encourages them to play like a woodpecker (staccato) or like a slimy slug (legato) slithering from one note to another, and there are many more pages like these. I love this book because it makes lessons fun, gives me ideas, and saves me trawling other books or the internet for suitable small, supplementary pieces to grab my pupils’ interest.
Piano Playground 2: 25 playful piano pieces for lessons and concerts
Heumann is very prolific. Rarely does a month go by without one of his books popping through my letterbox. With this there could be a danger that pieces become formulaic or pastiches.
However, this book of 25 modern pieces is delightfully packaged in an attractive cover (just enough colour and illustrations without being overdone), with clearly presented pages inside. Pieces range from almost Grade 1 to Grade 3 level. They are written in a variety of styles, with the classical-style pieces come across as a little Burgmülleresque. The most appealing ones are those written in contemporary styles – jazzy, blues, ballad style – and of these my absolute favourites are ‘Cool Jazz Cats’, ‘My Horse and Me’, ‘Energy Rock’, and the boogiewoogie movement of the ‘Modern Sonatina’. Much to enjoy here.
