THE GREAT WALL CONCERTO for 2 Pianos, 4 Hands

 33 Pages

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

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 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

Point of No Return piano solo presents a captivating and melodious piano solo skillfully arranged at a medium intermediate level. Featured in the Wayfarer’s Journey album, this composition introduces new classically-inspired piano and instrumental solos by Deborah Johnson.

Tailored for special occasions such as weddings and events, Point of No Return encompasses 5 pages, including the piano solo, guitar chords, and a cover. The term Point of No Return holds dual meanings. It refers to a critical moment in the flight of an aircraft beyond which there's inadequate fuel for a return to the starting point, necessitating the craft to proceed forward. Metaphorically, it signifies a decision-making juncture where one commits oneself irrevocably to a course of action or policy, where turning back or reversal becomes impossible.

Point of No Return evokes a sense of critical decision-making and determination, capturing the essence of commitment and irreversible choices. Its emotive qualities make it a powerful choice for special occasions, infusing a sense of significance and resolve into memorable events. Spotify link for MP3 download: https://open.spotify.com/track/1y9DVf5H2t3P0zIS6Sip82

Also available is the instrumental solo score version with parts, the piano solo score version with parts and full book of piano solos from Wayfarer’s Journey. Signed CD copies available at https://DJWorksMusic.com/wayfarers-journey/. Also check out the album video playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlpGSaEMhOmM2boU572TIUUV8x_yZxZhi (and subscribe!)

Music composed by Deborah Johnson. Piano: Deborah Johnson; Vocal Backgrounds: Deborah & David Johnson; Violin: Sandy Mackinga; Engineer: Michael Ferenci at Ferenci Studios, Silverlake, CA.

Times Five piano solo offers a captivating and melodious piano solo skillfully arranged at a medium intermediate level. Featured in the Wayfarer’s Journey album by Deborah Johnson, this composition introduces new classically-inspired piano and instrumental solos. Reminiscent of a Bartók composition, Times Five evokes a similar musical ambiance, showcasing an intricate and dynamic melody.

Tailored for special occasions and events, Times Five spans 7 pages, encompassing the piano solo, guitar chords, and a cover. It’s characterized by its unique 5/4 time signature, belonging to the quintuple meter—rare in European concert music before the 20th century but more prevalent in various world cultures. The 5/4 time signature of Times Five embodies a division of beats as 3+2, creating a distinctive rhythmic pattern (1-2-3,1-2, with accents on the 1), characteristic of compound meters. 

Understanding and identifying this metrical pattern within the bars enriches the appreciation of the piece's rhythmic complexity. This unique time signature adds depth and richness to the composition, offering a captivating musical experience ideal for diverse special occasions. Spotify link for MP3 download: https://open.spotify.com/track/2z8eo1WA2vsPtPOOt0ac8w

Also available is the instrumental solo score version with parts, the piano solo score version with parts and full book of piano solos from Wayfarer’s Journey. Signed copies of CD at https://DJWorksMusic.com/wayfarers-journey/. Also check out the album video playlist at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlpGSaEMhOmM2boU572TIUUV8x_yZxZhi (and subscribe!)

Music composed by Deborah Johnson. Piano: Deborah Johnson; Vocal Backgrounds: David Johnson; Flute: Fred Seldon; Engineer: Michael Ferenci at Ferenci Studios, Silverlake, CA.

Ambiance piano solo is a captivating and melodious piano solo, skillfully arranged at an easy intermediate level. Featured in the Wayfarers Journey album by Deborah Johnson, this composition is part of a collection that introduces new classically-inspired piano and instrumental solos.

Tailored for special occasions such as weddings and events, Ambiance spans 5 pages, encompassing the piano solo, guitar chords, and a cover. The term Ambiance denotes the mood, character, quality, or atmosphere of an environment or place. Originating from the French word ambi, meaning surrounding or encompassing, it reflects the surroundings and overall tone of a setting. Derived from Middle French and Latin roots, Ambiance encapsulates the essence and atmosphere this piano solo brings to various special occasions. Download the MP3 here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/2zdgQA05WWCrQtQcesbshF

Also available is the piano solo score version and full book of all Wayfarer Journey piano solo versions. Request signed copies of the CD at http:DJWorksMusic.com/wayfarers-journey/. Also check out the album video playlist at Wayfarer's Journey Playlist on YouTube (and subscribe!) Online Course with 9 instructional videos--start FREE: Ambiance Online Learning. 
Music composed by Deborah Johnson. Piano: Deborah Johnson; Vocals: Deborah & David Johnson ; Engineer: Michael Ferenci at Ferenci Studios, Silverlake, CA.