One Dark and Mysterious Night...
Host a fun recital dedicated to detectives, villains, secret missions and adventures! Create a simple story out of the pieces and ask each child to introduce his or her piece by revealing the next detail in the case (The precious jewels go missing... Agent X is assigned to the case... He reviews the clues and decides it's a Mission Impossible...) Invite everyone to dress up as their favourite character! Let us help you choose the pieces:
Solo Suggestions
Beginner
- "The Pink Panther" by Faber and Faber in Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire Level 3A. This infamous theme is made accessible for early students who are sure to love its sneaky melodic turns.
- "The James Bond Theme" There are lots of great versions to choose from: Faber and Faber's Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire Level 2B; Faber and Faber's Accelerated Piano Adventures Book 2; Dan Coates Easy Piano Book with accompaniment CD or his Piano Solos book for a more advanced student.
- "Hedwig's Theme" by Faber and Faber in Accelerated Piano Adventures Popular Repertoire Book 1. Every Harry Potter fan will want to play this one! Also found in Piano Adventures Level 5.
Elementary
- "Back and Forth" by Robert Vandall from his Celebrated Piano Solos Volume 1. A two-note questioning motif evokes a detective going "back and forth" over his clues to solve the case.
- "Midnight Creeper" by Robert Vandall, also from his Celebrated Piano Solos Volume 1. The slow, deliberate piece perfectly captures a late night prowl.
- "Inspector Gadget", by Haim Saban and Shuki Levy, arranged by John Brimhall, in Performance Plus: Super Heroes. Another sure hit!
- "Hurry Scurry" by Robert Vandall from his Celebrated Piano Solos Volume 1. Repeated chords and rich sonorities ranging from f minor to Gb7 evoke the drama and tension of a chase scene.
Intermediate
- "Mission: Impossible", by Lalo Schifrin, in Easy Piano Solo Sheet. This is a striking adaptation from the original film score. An advanced version is also available.
- "Agent X" by Melody Bober from the Written for You Solo Sheets. The syncopated rhythms and jazz chords make you feel like a detective on the trail of the clue that will crack the case.
- "The Chase" in Bergmuller Opus 100, 25 Intermediate and Progressive Studies. This bright C major piece in 6/8 is full of chords, repeated notes and octave work. A good piece to include for colourful variety.
- "Frenzy" by Dennis Alexander in Showstoppers! A flashy solo for a late intermediate student that fits well under the hand.
- "Mystery Man" another great solo by Melody Bober from the Written for You Solo Sheets. You can picture the prime suspect lurking in the shadows as he plans yet another crime.
Duet Suggestions
No recital is complete without duets. - teacher can play too!..
Elementary
- "Funeral March of the Marionette" arranged by Carol Matz in Piano for Two, Book 1. An intermediate version is also available.
Intermediate
- "Private Eye" by Susan Alcon in Carefree Days. A laid back piece that should be played with a glint in the eye.
- "Secret Agent Sam" by Tom Masinter in sheet. A dynamic piece in g minor played with a swing feel. Includes everything from scales and octave work to rapid repeating note passages. End your recital with a flourish!
Trios
- "Hot Pursuit" by Robert Vandall, in sheet from Alfred Publishing. An impressive and energetic piece for 6 hands with lots of opportunities for showing off!
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