SKU: A0.890701

Passacaglia (2000-2012) duet 6 minutes

This piece also exists in versions for organ (my original version in 2000) and orchestra (performed by Bristol University Symphony Orchestra under the baton of John Pickard in 2001). The piano duet version was finally completed in 2012. 

The theme is based on the ground bass from Bach’s stonking Passacaglia in C minor for organ. However, the implied harmonies of Bach’s original ground bass are treated to some twisted harmonies – where each chord is altered using a system of harmonic substitution - swapping each chord implication for a newly chosen one (Cm=C, Fm=F#, G=A, Dm=A¨, Eb=F and on it goes around the 12 chromatic notes). 

Each key therefore has a ‘dominant’ and ‘subdominant’ that are not the actual chords V and IV in that key, so the traditional cadences and chord relationships are supplanted by 12 individual 3-chord relationships – one set of three chords for each of the 12 (now almost exclusively major) keys. In an attempt to recreate the pulls of the traditional tonic-dominant-subdominant relationships, each key then also has a particular mode/scale with particular added notes that are designed to recreate the sense of moving away from and back towards the home chord of that key. This results in a lot of rich added harmonies and some idiomatic voice-leading.

Bach’s original theme in Cm is:

C G - E¨ F - G A¨  - F G - D E¨ - B C -   F G   - C,

and in the opening statement of the ground bass this has become:

C A - E F# - A B¨ - F# A - D# E - C# C - F# A - C.

There are then 21 variations which modulate through a range of keys, during which the ground bass is constantly re-adjusted to fit the new harmonic areas. It starts in C major, then goes through ‘closely’ related keys (eg A major and A¨ major), and then back to C in variations 6, 9 and 11. This kind of arch then happens again but going through more distant keys before returning to C in variations 18, 19 and the final climactic variation 21.

Leaving aside the structural and tonal nuts and bolts, my aim was to compose a piece that attempts to recapture some of the nobility and beauty of Bach's Passacaglia, with rich added note harmonies, and exuding an exuberant joy.

SKU: A0.701424

An improvised piano duet using major and minor triads. Lead sheet style. Improvise based on given chords.

SKU: A0.962524

Composed for either 4-Hand or 2 Piano, the Caccia & Fugue are whimsical and intricately worked out. They make a good set for 4 hand or 2 piano recitals, or as encores. It was composed for advanced pianists. In the Caccia, an early vocal form depicting the hunt, thematic material 'chases' itself at various intervals and meters. In the fugue, a jazz bass subject collides with a traditional baroque subject, and the two spend the piece working it out.

SKU: A0.722465

The Twelve Days of Christmas, for Piano Duet, in G major plus modulations.

On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.

Duration: about 2 minutes, 20 seconds.
Arranged by Anne L Christopherson ARCM GRSM at www.music-scores.com

SKU: A0.722266

1st movement of Sonatina No.1, in G. A charming and elegant piece by a pupil of Mozart, and arranged for piano duet.

Duration: under a minute

SKU: A0.930982

A sonorous and idiomatic arrangement for piano duet of Canada's national anthem.  Excellent as a recital opener or for a private performance at your Canada Day barbecue!

This arrangement departs slightly from the original: it begins in E-flat Major, but modulates to A-flat for the second half (at the words God keep our land) – which provides an exciting expansion of melody and register.

The primo and secondo parts are laid out on facing pages, in the traditional duet format (only one page each).  

Easy to play but there are a few octaves and larger chords in both parts, making it suitable for older intermediate-level players (teenagers or adults).

Also includes the official lyrics (French, English, and bilingual) printed on the back cover.

Published by G-Clef Music Editions, for SMP Press.

SKU: A0.886866

Composed in 1722 by J.S. Bach, this classic piece has been brought to the 21st Century and arranged for 2 pianos in 2 different keys simultaneously a Perfect 4ths apart (G major and D major). This light but playful piece promises to bring new life to the music of the Baroque Era.

SKU: A0.886924

Le cygne, pronounced: [lə siɲ], or The Swan, is the 13th and penultimate movement of The Carnival of the Animals by Camille Saint-Saëns. Originally scored for solo cello accompanied by two pianos, it has been arranged and transcribed for many instruments but remains best known as a cello solo. Now in the 21st century, this piece comes alive once again. Arranged for 2 pianos, each piano is playing the same piece in 2 different keys simultaneously(G Major and D Major).

This arrangement is for Teacher/Student. The Students part is the melody being played in both G and D Major and the Teachers part is the left-hand in both keys. This is a good practice piece as it is easily identifiable and promotes ear-training as the student is hearing the melody in 2 different keys. Enjoy this classic masterpiece.

SKU: A0.945368

This duet arrangement of We Three Kings is perfect for the intermediate beginner. Written with one sharp in the key signature, the primo part plays the melody with thumbs sharing G. The B section has simple harmonies with the left hand. The secondo part is suitable for an intermediate player or teacher.

The PDF score contains both the full score and individual parts. Each individual part is formatted on one page.