His Eye Is on the Sparrow, a beautiful, classic Gospel song, for advanced intermediate piano solo. Written in 1905 by Charles Gabriel and Civilla D, Martin, this song was sung by Ethel Waters and used in her biography. Whitney Houston made this song popular again in the 1976 movie Sparkle, in which the plot was inspired by the history of The Supremes singing trio, in the late 1950's-early 60's in Harlam, New York. Use lots of expression in the first verse and ending; more motion in the 2nd verse and chorus. Key of F Major, helpful fingering suggested. If you enjoy this arrangment, check out other arrangements by Amy including No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus, Amazing Grace, If My People, Near the Cross, Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Christ Arose (Up From the Grave), O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus, and many more! Visit Amy at https://www.facebook.com/amyjsnyder7

THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO for 2 Pianos, 4 Hands

 33 Pages

(Piano I Original Piano Score)
                      &
(Piano II Orchestra Adaptation)

Advanced

 Approx. Duration 13 minutes; 30 seconds

By ROBERT VAN HORNE 

Composing THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO for Piano & Orchestra was a journey of inspiration, passion, and deep personal connection for me. 

Having traveled to China, I was most impressed with seeing the Great Wall. Years later, I composed a musical work for piano and orchestra - a creative and classic concerto, capturing the Great Wall's grandeur and majestic attraction.

My first visit to the Great Wall of China was in 1983 while engaged as a pianist onboard a cruise ship that sailed the waters of Asia. My first impression of seeing the Great Wall and the scenic landscape surrounding it, was one of awe and amazement.

At that time, I did not realize the lasting effect this memorable attraction would have on me. Inspired and motivated by several cherished Chinese excursions to the Great Wall during my cruise ship engagement, I began the monumental task of scoring music for piano and orchestra several years later. 

An excerpt from 2008 Music Teacher of California Magazine review states “…The Great Wall Concerto is pleasant to listen to and has a retro 1940’s movie soundtrack mood about it - Rachmaninoff style chords against melodies in the strings...Listening to this piece, I imagined a film starring Joan Fontaine and Claude Rains as star crossed lovers fleeing their respective spouses on a visit to China.�

After many years of offering the original Conductor’s Piano & Orchestra Score of the concerto with instrumental parts (currently available at Sheet Music Plus and Sheet Music Direct), the Duo Piano Score of THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO for 2 Pianos, 4 Hands is now also available at those two websites.

Both Piano I and Piano II parts are clearly notated with phrasing, dynamics, accents, suggested fingerings and musical word descriptions for 2 Pianos, 4 Hands performances. 

THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO for 2 Pianos, 4 Hands makes a wonderful and memorable performance piece for two piano recitals as well as a score for practicing with an orchestra, since Piano I is the original piano part.

A 2 Pianos, 4 Hands recording or video of THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO is not available at this time, however, a 2006 recorded version with Piano & Orchestra is available for demo purposes only. Except for the piano, all other instruments included are digital samples. 

A YouTube video can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Zr10XMnJc

 In conclusion, THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO For Piano and Orchestra is not only a tribute to the Great Wall of China, but also to the power of music in expressing the inexpressible.

Published by White Piano International Publishing 

Robert Van Horne is a member of ASCAP.

Official Website: www.robertvanhorne.com

Email: rvh@robertvanhorne.com