Description
Book SynopsisSometimes pianists would love to play the 'pops' they enjoy, but finding quality arrangements that work for the instrument can be a real challenge. The author takes classic film songs from across the decades and makes well-crafted and satisfying arrangements for intermediate pianists.
Trade ReviewThe arrangements are satisfyingly effective, and provide ideal browsing/alternative material for the older teenager or adult learner.
Piano Professional, Spring 2009
This is a stupendous collection of 28 film classics arranged for piano solo, ranging from Lawrence of Arabia to Pirates of the Caribbean, The Magnificent Seven to Ghostbusters, Harry Potter to The Exorcist and Chariots of Fire to The English Patient. I have to say that once I started playing, I could not stop. The same thing happened when I gave the book to a reluctant sight reader for some quick practice; i had to shut it and promise more later. Certain films and film music tend to evoke times and occasions in our lives and as my pupil and I played through our favourites we recalled the film and the circumstances under which we had seen it. She also commented that each arrangement 'worked' and sounded genuine. The writing of some were more richly orchestral (Gladiator and Blade Runner), others were just fun (The Flintstones and the James Bond Theme). The arrangements are approximately Grade 3-6 standard and satisfyingly, they all sound absolutely true to the originals. There is something for every pianist here. While it is important and rewarding to master playing all styles of music and none should be neglected, pieces in popular styles are useful, in that they very often engage the struggling pupil, give street cred to the teenager and provide relaxation and enjoyment to pianists of all ages. The very best will give both pleasure and progress.
Music Teacher, January 2009
Arranged for intermediate piano solo, this is as fine a compendium of good tunes for the flowering learner (or terminal intermediate) as any available.
Mi Pro Magazine, June 2008
Table of ContentsLord Of The Rings (Main Theme: The Ring Goes South); Star Wars (Imperial March Theme); Gladiator (Main Theme: The Battle); Harry Potter (Hedwig's Theme); Chariots of Fire (Main Theme); The Lion King (Song: Circle Of Life); The Great Escape (Main Theme); The English Patient (Main Theme); The Deer Hunter (Theme: Cavatina); Blade Runner (Main Theme): Dances With Wolves (Main Theme); James Bond (Main Theme); James Bond (Goldfinger theme); The Exorcist (Theme: Tubular Bells); The Mission (Theme: Gabriel's Oboe); Lawrence Of Arabia (Main Theme); Midnight Cowboy (Main Theme); Superman (Main Theme); Ghostbusters (Song: Ghostbusters); Batman (Main Theme); The Flintstones (Main Theme); The Wizard Of Oz (Over The Rainbow); Rocky (Main Theme); The Magnificent Seven (Main Theme); American Beauty (Theme: Any Other Name); Pirates Of The Caribbean ('He's A Pirate'); Cinema Paradiso (Main Theme); Jean de Florette (Verdi - La Forza Del Destino)
