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. Titles are: Canyon Spirits; Dawn to Dusk; Desert in Bloom; Gecko Games; Kokopelli (Invention in Phrygian Mode); Mother Earth and Sister Moon.