SKU: A0.1292494

Prelude 22 in B Minor Phrygian from 24 Preludes for the Piano in Major and Minor Modes by composer Brian Golden

   The creative concept in writing these preludes is to provide a link to past preludes written for the keyboard, and in particular to the works of J.S. Bach and Frederic Chopin, whose works stand as essential repertoire for any student of the piano.  Using Bach’s and Chopin’s examples, my goal was to compose in all twenty-four keys, yet offer my own variation on the progression of key signatures – Bach’s being a pattern of major to parallel minor progressing chromatically through all keys, and Chopin’s a pattern of major to relative minor keys progressing clockwise through the circle of fifths.  In order to expand my harmonic and melodic possibilities, I have included the modal keys rather than only the major and harmonic minor keys, and have chosen to work counterclockwise through the circle of fifths, which is a more natural harmonic progression.  Therefore, all major preludes resolve from one to another V-I, as well as do all the minor preludes.
    While there are seven modal scales, I decided to leave out the locrian modes for the following reasons.  First, due to the diminished fifth, the locrian mode cannot be thought of as either major nor minor.  Second, the locrian mode did not have a relative key to pair with, since there were no other keys with the identical characteristic notes.
    In creating the key architecture, I determined that there was only one solution to pairing major and relative minor scales based on a shared parent key and characteristic note - ionian/aolian, mixolydian/phrygian and lydian/dorian.  This specific order of modal scales is the only order that would enable composing in all twelve key signatures.  Finally, the inspiration for each prelude came from playing through several other preludes in the same keys - mostly by Bach and Chopin - and letting their themes and styles influence me in the writing of my own.

SKU: A0.1248572

Prelude 15 in B Major Mixolydian from 24 Preludes for the Piano in Major and Minor Modes by composer Brian Golden

   The creative concept in writing these preludes is to provide a link to past preludes written for the keyboard, and in particular to the works of J.S. Bach and Frederic Chopin, whose works stand as essential repertoire for any student of the piano.  Using Bach’s and Chopin’s examples, my goal was to compose in all twenty-four keys, yet offer my own variation on the progression of key signatures – Bach’s being a pattern of major to parallel minor progressing chromatically through all keys, and Chopin’s a pattern of major to relative minor keys progressing clockwise through the circle of fifths.  In order to expand my harmonic and melodic possibilities, I have included the modal keys rather than only the major and harmonic minor keys, and have chosen to work counterclockwise through the circle of fifths, which is a more natural harmonic progression.  Therefore, all major preludes resolve from one to another V-I, as well as do all the minor preludes.
    While there are seven modal scales, I decided to leave out the locrian modes for the following reasons.  First, due to the diminished fifth, the locrian mode cannot be thought of as either major nor minor.  Second, the locrian mode did not have a relative key to pair with, since there were no other keys with the identical characteristic notes.
    In creating the key architecture, I determined that there was only one solution to pairing major and relative minor scales based on a shared parent key and characteristic note - ionian/aolian, mixolydian/phrygian and lydian/dorian.  This specific order of modal scales is the only order that would enable composing in all twelve key signatures.  Finally, the inspiration for each prelude came from playing through several other preludes in the same keys - mostly by Bach and Chopin - and letting their themes and styles influence me in the writing of my own.

SKU: F0.W9247

UPC: 674398217014.

This pre-reading piece utilizes the black keys starting on the D flat just above middle C for the LH, with the RH extending to the E flat an octave above. Written in an ABA form, the B section contains hands-together playing for eight measures. This piece has a good variety of dynamics for your pre-reader to practice dynamic contrast, and contains a teacher accompaniment that contributes to the harmonic support of the student part. Both teacher and student will enjoy this enchanting piece.

About FJH Written For You Piano Solos

Sparkling and lyrical pieces which promote musical expression.

SKU: A0.1144592

The idea for the beginning motif came when I was simply at a piano and began playing around with chords based on quintal harmonies, chords built off of perfect fifths instead of the usual major or minor third. When I wrote this piece, I thought of a scene in which a pair of beings, one with a masculine energy and the other feminine, were dancing quite literally in the clouds. In the B section, the pair holds one another tightly as they share memories of one another, some fond and some bittersweet, before returning to their waltz. In the D section, the feminine being goes her own way and dances solo with a sense of vigor and raw passion. She goes a little too hard and trips, falling on the ground. The masculine being comes to her aid and gets her back on her feet, returning to their waltz once more. By the end, the sun sets and they part ways, sharing a tender embrace and a kiss goodbye.

SKU: A0.1135733

The Etherea Suite, Volume 1 is for intermediate to advanced players who enjoy lyrical, exciting, and showy repertoire, while expressing their imagination through their playing. Players get to musically explore the mountains, the desert, volcanoes, time travel to ancient times, and fight in battle! Volume I of the suite represents three main characters from the sci-fi, fantasy book Trials of the Innermost (release date May 26, 2023). Each movement has a distinct feel and reflects each character's personality. This edition features performance notes written by the composer, including musical elements unique to each movement, fun facts, and personal influences JohnWillard had in mind when creating the work. A graphic of the musical cryptogram system used to make the melodies for each character is featured at the end of the notes.

The three movements imitate a sonata, with the overall order of the suite is slow, slow, fast. Some teaching elements in the first movement I. Vayriel: Protector of the Mountains, include: scalar passages (A natural minor scale), shifting hands position, rolled chords, repeated left hand patterns, ornaments, and pedaling.

II. Zinvar: Peacemaker of the Volcanic Rifts is more challenging, but has more room for musicality, expression, exploring different touches on the piano, and ethereal use of pedaling, like the sostenuto pedal (if you have one!) The movement opens with a mysterious, wave-like arpeggiated left hand pattern, similar to pieces of Chopin or Rachmaninoff. The B section is practice in using the sostenuto (middle) pedal while playing softly, imitating Gregorian Chant. Best of all the ending sounds harder than it actually is and you get to play as loud as possible!

III. Idrilia: Warrior of the Desert is fast paced, rhythmic, and inspired by video games. This piece is a nice supplement for students learning techniques found in toccatas, nocturnes, and pieces that require a big, full sound. The longest and most advanced movement, players can enjoy using all the things: pedaling, accents, quick changes in dynamic contrast, and a lyrical B section. Technique requires comfort with arpeggios, chord inversions, octaves, and sensitivity to voicing. Once mastered, this movement can be both fun to play as a stand-alone recital piece or an exciting treat to play for friends and family. You'll find yourself humming the simple melody as it transforms throughout the work, and the ending is a chance to play big chords by using the full range of the keyboard.