Desert Suite

Impressionistic sonorities blend with hints of Native American flute melodies in this beautiful collection of six solos for the early-intermediate/intermediate-level pianist. Like the images they portray, the pieces are filled with contrast: soaring lyrical melodies interspersed with low earthy motives in open fifths; traditional rhythmic patterns juxtaposed with mixed meters; playful dance-like themes offset by the dark atonal timbres of haunting spirits. Each solo stands alone, but the entire book can also be played in recital as a suite, with tempos that alternate in a pleasing way to create a tightly woven, finely detailed desert landscape. detailed desert landscape. Level: Early-Intermediate/Intermediate (Hal Leonard Student Piano Library Levels 4-5); Range: full grand staff and leger lines; Meters: 2/2, 3/4, 4/4, 7/8; Technical Features: broken chord accompaniments, some double-note intervals in both hands, cross-hand patterns, interlocked hand position, legato pedal, pedal points, multiple textures. Length: 2-5 pages; Average performance time: 2 minutes, 30 seconds. Performance time for entire suite: 10 minutes, 3 seconds. 6 solos: Canyon Spirits á Dawn to Dusk á Desert in Bloom á Gecko Games á Kokopelli (Invention in Phrygian Mode) á Mother Earth, Sister Moon.