A Cool Thing A Summer Breeze Abacus Abbadabba One ACC 515 Apple Core Asdfghjkl Avenues Baguette Blog 27 Boutique Overture Boutique Overture (ensemble) Bridges Cambadacha Castleton Reel Changes Charlie’s Revenge Chocolation Clairette Clouds Passing (FB) Coming Home Crab Cakes Crackpot (SB/FB) Cycophantic Impressions Dance of the Widgets Dandy Waltz Desperado Dijon Doubly Bubbly Early Morning Rising (SB/FB) Emancipation Escapade Exaggeration Waltz Expanse Four Candles Hocus Pocus Hymn for Her Hymn for Her Too Into the Spice Market Jabbermouth Khalif of Kotor Lamentosa (SB/FB) Magganajjer Moonshadow Morris Minor My First Week (album of 7 pieces) Mystique Nuance Precipice Resolution Rhapsidium for a Rainy Day Scotch Grass Serenity Seven Over Eight Squash Streets Subterfuge Subterfuge Two Sunny Days Tampopo The Happy Gnome The Naughty Monkey The Swiss Efficiency Polka Three Down Up (SB/FB) Topaz Tunnels Two Boots Upside Down Polka
Compositions are listed by title, in alphabetical order (Note: SB = Stradella Bass; FB = Free Bass). Clicking on “Buy” takes you directly to the www.musicforaccordion.com website. Enter the title of the composition to complete your purchase. Thank you.
A Cool Thing
Solo / SB / Grade 2 / Price: €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major, this elementary piece starts unusually with a bass solo motif. The main treble theme consists of groups of semiquavers and a five-note theme within a six-tone range, although a full octave range is used occasionally. In the second section, the basses have more emphasis, while the treble features sustained notes. Dynamic markings introduce the use of the musical terms ritardando (rit.) and fermata (hold). The final four bars include sustained treble notes, accompanied by uncomplicated basses and chords
A Summer Breeze
Solo/SB/Grade 2/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in the key of C Major, this happy, elementary piece has a lilting melody that flows throughout the treble part. It is accompanied by uncomplicated basses and chords to sustain the rhythmic flow of the piece, but although the written bass chords include major 7ths, these could these could be replaced by major chords instead.
Abacus
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €7.00/ Buy
Multi-rhythmic in terms of feeling and timing, this piece – written in Eb Major, with a middle section in C Major – varies between 4/4, 3/4 and 6/8 time, although it may well be hard for the listener to notice the subtle changes that occur throughout the piece because they are intricately intertwined. It is a lighthearted, somewhat whimsical piece that incorporates constant rhythmic interplay between treble and bass, and requires a technique that is confident
Abbadabba One
Solo/SB/Grade 2/Price €5.00/Buy
This short piece is for the beginning student who is learning about playing in 3/4 (waltz) time. There is no introduction, so the cute melody starts immediately. Based in the key of C Major it uses just three bass chords (C, F and G). However, the right hand requires a little more dexterity in fingering and introduces some notes that may not have been reached before, but all are, however, kept within a range of a single octave.
ACC 515
Solo/SB/Price €4.00/ Buy
The name of this piece, written in C Major, is taken from the number registration plate on my automobile (ACC for accordion). The main theme features a canon-like interplay between treble and bass – a question and answer session that calls for good independent left and right hand control. There are two middle sections in minor keys, reverting to major keys that demand some chord work in the treble.
Apple Core
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major in 3/4 (waltz) time, this tuneful little piece spans the first six notes of the major scale, introduces phrasing, tied notes, staccato notes, and, at the end, thirds in the treble. The basses consist of the three major chords of C, F, and G.
Asdfghjkl
Solo/SB/ Grade 4/Price €6.50/Buy
Pronounced “Asterfickerjickel” – the keys of the second row of a typewriter/computer keyboard, and written in C Major and Ab minor, is a lighthearted jazzy musette-style piece in 3/4 time.
Avenues
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €???/ Buy
This preparatory piece, of just 20 bars, invites the beginner not only to play notes but also some variations in tempo and dynamic variation. Written in C Major, the use of ritardando (rit.) and a tempo introduce and illustrate musical expression – an important part of making music, from the very beginning. Although it is based on a three-chord bass and five-note treble range, two extra notes (one above, one below) extend the standard C-G treble range slightly without being too challenging, but make it slightly more musical.
Baguette
Solo/SB/Grade 6/ Buy
This piece was written during the UK beef crisis, and is a jolly, light-hearted piece that looks at both sides of the coin. Written in D minor and D Major, it is best described as a jazzy waltz with a rhythmic lilt, in the style of a slightly syncopated French Musette.
Blog 27
Solo/SB/Grade 2/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in 3/4 (waltz) time in the key of C Major, this piece introduces the player to more dynamics, phrasing, and dotted treble notes, and ends in a three-note chord. The basses use the major chords of C, F, and G, but introduce the use of several counterbass notes (for accordions that have them).
Boutique Overture
Solo/SB/Grade 8/Price €8.00/ Buy
This serious piece, written in the key of G Major, with an excursion into E minor, is for solo accordion and is both traditional and contemporary in its approach and content. It is enhanced by a rhythmic structure of a contemporary nature that alternates in sections of 4/4 and 6/4. The eight-bar theme (in 4/4) provides its base and recurs throughout the piece, albeit in an altered form. It requires a good command of the instrument, and a feel for rhythmic structures that are out of the ordinary.
Boutique Overture (ensemble)
Boutique Overture is scored for four accordions, and includes some minor differences from the composition for solo accordion. This serious piece, written in the key of G Major, with an excursion into E minor, is for solo accordion and is both traditional and contemporary in its approach and content. It is enhanced by a rhythmic structure of a contemporary nature that alternates in sections of 4/4 and 6/4. The eight-bar theme (in 4/4) provides its base and recurs throughout the piece, albeit in an altered form.
Bridges
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €???/ Buy
Cambadacha
Solo/SB/Grade 7/Price €7.00/ Buy
Written in G minor, this is a fast paced, high energy piece that requires a good degree of right hand finger dexterity (including staccato chords and single notes), accurate rhythm and good bellows control. It is somewhat of a show piece that is set, unusually, in a minor key, and requires excellent overall instrument control.
Castleton Reel
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price €8.20/ Buy
This piece is written in a lilting Scottish style. Written in 4/4, it consists of a total of nine sections; while most are in the key of A major, there are outbreaks into the keys of C Major, Eb Major, and F Major. It is a cheerful, lighthearted piece that requires good right hand finger dexterity, and a steady rhythmic accompaniment from the basses.
Changes
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €7.00/Buy
This piece was written to emphasize technique, timing accuracy and rhythmic control. It is written in 6/8 time, in A Major. The right hand must maintain accuracy over chords that are used throughout the piece. The melody is somewhat like a military voluntary reminiscent of the form of a post horn gallop, and, strangely, the whole piece is based around the use of just one chord.
Charlie’s Revenge
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price 4/ Buy
This piece was written when Charlie Watkins (well known to accordionists in England as “Mr Amplification”) survived a serious medical problem – a heart attack – and is a tribute to him. It is a lighthearted laugh at life, and is best described as a novelty piece. Written in 4/4 time, in the keys of F Major and Bb Major.
Chocolation
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €5.20/ Buy
The name came from an amalgamation of the words “chocolate” and “elation”: chocolation. The aim of this tuneful piece is to encourage the performer use right hand fingering that mixes sustained notes with changes above or below the sustain, to aid dexterity. The left hand is comprised of only three chords – useful for accordionists with limited bass keyboards, but using main and counter-bass rows. The piece contains dotted notes, as well as tied notes, plus staccato and ritardando markings.
Clairette
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.50/ Buy
A Valse Musette, with both introduction and main theme written in A minor, and intermediate sections in D major. Clairette is a type a grape, and the major key sections equal sunshine, with the minor sections interpreted as rain and the uncertainty of grape growth. Several bars contain right-hand triplets used to good effect in a typical musette, and test a player’s fingering and phrasing. The left hand consists of sustained principal notes to provide the rhythmic feel and continuance of the Valtz Musette, with the chord work not overly complicated, although it does necessitate moving the left hand up the keyboard, requiring control.
Clouds Passing (FB)
Solo/FB/Grade 2/Price €5.20/Buy
This piece, written to be played on either a “converter” or “free-bass” accordion, is written in 3/4 time in C Major and presents an interplay between the treble and bass keyboards. It is meant to introduce the emerging player to major seconds in the treble and double notes in the basses.
Coming Home
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €7.00/ Buy
This is a jazzy waltz that is played more as a “vamp” than as a piece, and presents the possibility of playing “short stretch” chords underneath a tune that stretches over just 1 ½ octaves. Written in the keys of C Major, with a middle section in Ab Major, it includes some snatches of Art van Damme-style treble effects that instruments other than the accordion would find impossible to imitate.
Crab Cakes
Solo/SB/Grade 1/€???/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is based on three bass chords combined with single notes, while in the treble, the performer is required to play single notes and two-note chords, in waltz time. The treble includes several legato phrases, intertwined with a single note melody, several accents, and a single staccato note. The end requires the performer to play both bass note and chord together. It is written for Stradella bass instruments without a counter bass row for the left hand.
Crackpot (SB/FB)
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is based on three bass chords as the accompaniment; in the treble, it introduces staccato notes, slurs, crochets and minims, and provides some dynamic variation and accenting for the beginner.Crackpot (FB)
Solo/FB/Grade 1/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece introduces staccato notes, slurs, crochets and minims, and provides some dynamic variation and accenting, while the free bass accompaniment is both melodic and supportive of the treble, and uses both single and dual notes.
Cycophantic Impressions
Solo / SB / Grade 6 / Price: €5.20/ Buy
This short piece was written to be played, on either a “converter” or “free-bass” accordion, and uses the “cycle of fifths” in the upper section of the bass keyboard. While there is no traditional time marking, it should be played in exactly 110 seconds. The piece starts with a bass keyboard bellows shake. There is no traditional key signature, although the piece actually progresses through only the sharp keys. In bar 9, the twin notes and glissando can also be played on the black notes only of a piano accordion. The vibrato in bar 24 may be played either with the right hand or left leg. The piece ends in an accelerando of alternating treble and bass notes, followed by a chord cluster which is subject to reverse dynamic mode, and a sharp pull of the bellows to indicate finality.
Dance of the Widgets
Solo/SB/Grade 2/Price €5.20/ Buy
This is a cute elementary piece, written throughout in C Major, teaches the player about staccato treble notes, using the correct fingering. It contains a mix of quavers, crotchets and semiquavers and introduces accents and phrasing, as well as dynamics. The bass chords used are C, G, D and F Major.
Dandy Waltz
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €5.20 (includes Early Morning Rising)/ Buy
This piece is written in C Major, and is intended to be a starter piece for anyone who wants to start playing the instrument. It is a tuneful little piece, with an easy-to-remember treble melody. The basses use the major chords of C, F, and G.
Desperado
Solo/SB/Grade 7/Price €8.00/ Buy
Written in F minor, this piece is designed to show the dynamic musical and technical ability of the performer. It starts off with a rather slow, somewhat mournful melodic theme in 3/4 time in a minor key. Suddenly, the tempo turns violently fast in 4/4 time. Between intricate chromatic runs, thick jazzy chords, numerous trills and glissandos, a relentless drive and a few surprises along the way, the performer must keep up the pace to the very end, using good fingering and an even touch throughout. The main theme is stated again twice, but in a mix of 6/4 and 4/4 time. There’s a hint of the desperate bullfighter in this one.
Dijon
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.00/ Buy
This is a straightforward light-hearted, but fast-moving piece written in the style of a French musette. It is written in the keys of G Major, Bb Major, and C Major – in three different sections. It also introduces minor chords in the bass. The treble must cope with sequences of thirds throughout the piece, and a good control of fingering.
Doubly Bubbly
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €5.20 (includes Early Morning Rising)/ Buy
Written in 3/4 time in the key of C Major, it leads directly to the melody with no introduction. The piece immediately introduces the beginning accordionist to dotted note values and slurs in the treble, as well as a small range of dynamics. The bass chords used are C, F, and G.
Early Morning Rising (SB/FB)
Solo/FB/Grade 3/Price €5.20 (includes Doubly Bubbly)/ Buy
This piece, written to be played on a converter or free-bass accordion, is written in C Major 4/4 time and presents a slightly canonic movement between the treble and bass keyboards. It is meant to introduce the emerging player to thirds in the treble and double notes in the basses. It also requires the accordionist to hold down one treble note while playing others above it. The theme of the piece is in its title – about coming to life after sleeping, and the repetitive patterns associated with daily life.
Emancipation
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price €7.00/ Buy
This playful piece, written in Eb Major, with an excursion into G Major, is one that should be played in a joyful, light-hearted manner. It embraces a standard 4/4 tempo, and features numerous triplets, and a little syncopation in the treble, with some light-footed chord and bass work to support the syncopated melody. The piece is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments because of its rhythmic content.
Escapade
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price €7.00/ Buy
This fast-paced showpiece is written in G minor, with a short middle section in G Major. Its main theme suggests a movie chase scene, and has the hallmarks of a Keystone Cops feature. The first middle section features three- and four-note treble chords that move in line with the bass notes and chord structure. The second middle section retracts into G Major and into a mix of 6/4 and 4/4, before returning to the main theme, in the original key of G minor, in 4/4 chase time, flowing into the final section, which features arpeggios in several forms.
Expanse
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €???/ Buy
This cheerful waltz is based in the key of C Major, in an A-B-A form, with the second section in A minor. It requests the performer to be mindful of the phrasing, accenting and articulation in order to achieve a joyful interpretation, as well as the use of triplets in the treble. The basses include the use of counter-bass notes and dominant 7th chords (if available), and is intended to establish the rhythmic flow of the piece.
Four Candles
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.00/ Buy
This jolly, sarcastic little piece is written in the key of C Major. It was written as a short novelty piece that was inspired by the famous British sketch by comedy duo Ronnie Corbett and Ronnie Barker titled “The Hardware Shop”. It has a nifty, easy-to-remember, catchy tune (the three treble notes in Bar 5 are actually the title: “Four Can-dles”…. Or, “Fork Han-dles”….). The second section features some three- and four-finger treble chords, which progress through the “cycle of fifths” in both treble and basses. The third section requires some strong accenting via the bellows (Bars 57/58). Vamp basses are used to good rhythmic effect to make the piece “swing” while the accenting and phrasing in the treble provides its novelty, playful feel.
Hocus Pocus
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €5.20/ Buy
This piece is written in 4/4 time, in G Major, with a middle section excursion that morphs into C Major. It is a happy little piece, whose central tune is easy to hum and remember. The ending is trickier, with thirds in the treble needing even treatment.
Hymn for Her
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €5.20/ Buy
This piece, in C Major, is designed strictly for the purpose of featuring individual musical and artistic expression, feeling and interpretation. The first section features single note basses combined with three- or four-note treble chords. The second section features a single note treble motif with supporting bass notes and chords; the section gathers speed and dynamic intensity and finishes with a glissando into the instant quietness of the main hymnal theme of a repeat of the first section, with some changes for the three bars that constitute the ending, which features a treble trill, which fades out at the end.
Hymn for Her Too
Accordion and trumpet/SB/Grade 4/Price €5.20/ Buy
Hymn for Her Too is specifically arranged for trumpet and accordion – the trumpet taking the solo voice part and the accordion providing the chords and changes underneath. A soulful (but not mournful) piece, it is intended to be played in an expressive manner, with the two performers working as one. The trumpet player must exercise a trill and glissando at the end, which fades to zero.
Into the Spice Market (coming soon)
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in A minor for Stradella bass instruments because of its rhythmic content, the introduction immediately sets the tone of the piece –the thought of entering the spice market, followed by the actual entry and the constant flurry of activity. The treble melody continues in Grand Bazaar mode. In the second section, the treble picks up the pace, moving rapidly between stalls in the market, being chased by the stall holders. Then it’s back to the quieter section of the market, and the melody before heading into the final race.
Jabbermouth
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €5.20/ Buy
The playful piece is set in 4/4, in G Major. After a four-bar introduction, the treble is set in a playful melody that requires triplets, held notes, and staccato notes all within phrasing and accuracy. The accompanying basses consist of major, minor and seventh chords in a standard rhythmic flow. Accents and phrasing require the player to pay attention.
Khalif of Kotor
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €5.20/ Buy
This piece has a real Moor-ish feel that exudes the feeling that the chief – the Khalif – is watching and knows all about you. The composition starts in E minor and progresses to G minor before returning to E minor. The treble consists of stabbing four-note chords as well as the mischievous melody. A bass solo appears at the end of the first section (it’s the Khalif’s security man) which announces a new theme before the treble takes over. There’s skullduggery afoot, so watch those triplets and stabbing chords!Lamentosa (SB)
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is a recitative tinged with lament and remorse (hence, lamentosa), but with a slightly more uplifting middle section, although this is written unexpectedly in A minor.
Lamentosa (SB/FB)
Solo/FB/Grade 3/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in C Major, this piece is a recitative tinged with lament and remorse (hence, lamentosa), but with a slightly more uplifting middle section, although this is written unexpectedly in A minor.
Magganajjer
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price 8.20/Buy
Written in A minor, this is a fast-paced piece that needs a precise, even right-hand touch. After a fast-paced beginning, rapid-fire staccato single notes drive into a hail of thirds, followed by rhythmic down-the-scale couplets. These in turn lead to a second theme that follow the introduction, and consist of arpeggios in A minor and E 7th. The pace continues until a small section of eight bars where the basses take on a melodic encounter with chords stated on the right hand, until the sudden arrival of a treble trill takes the piece back into the frenzied world of Magganajjer until the very end, reached at an accelerated pace until oblivion.
Moonshadow (coming soon)
Morris Minor
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.00/Buy
This piece is written in the style of a musette, in 3/4 time. It is in three sections. It starts in the key of C minor, and transfers into C Major in the second section. The third section reintroduces the introduction and first section.
My First Week (album of 7 pieces) /SB/Grade 1/Price €???/ Buy
Monday. This little piece uses just the basics. The right hand uses only crochets and (dotted) minims. In the key of C Major and in 3/4 time, this introduces three basic chords for the left hand (C major, F major, G major), and only fundamental bass notes. Only two dynamics are introduced, together with a crescendo, and a pause marking. A two-note finish in the right hand provides a little stretch at the end of the short piece.
Tuesday. This little piece is in 4/4 time, also in the key of C Major, but using the same chords for the left hand (C major, F major, G major), and only fundamental bass notes. A crescendo and decrescendo are introduced, as are two pause marks, a three-note treble chord at the conclusion of the piece, and a finishing accent.
Wednesday. This little piece, in 4/4 time, is in C Major. It introduces the staccato mark, the ritenuto and a tempo directions, plus a wider range of dynamics. The left hand still concentrates on fundamental basses only, and three chords (C major, F major, G major). An introduction to more precise timing of right hand notes is featured towards the end, when quavers are introduced
Thursday. This little piece is in 4/4 time, and in the key of C Major. However, there is a greater use of quavers and more complicated right hand fingering in the tricky middle sequence. The left hand remains simple, with the use of just three chords (C, F, and G Major) and fundamental basses. The last chord (for both hands) needs to be loud, and snappy.
Friday. This little piece is written in 3/4 time, and is written in the key of F Major. The right hand now extends to slightly more than one octave. Naturals are also introduced in the right hand tune. In bars 45 and 46, smooth phrasing is required without disrupting the timing and flow. The left hand introduces 7th chords for the first time. The chords used are F major, Bb major, C major, G7th and C7th.
Saturday. This little piece is written in 3/4 time, in the key of F Major. However, it is unusual in that it has a 12-bar theme, with a minor key being interspersed with a major key. It introduces triplets in the treble.
Sunday. This little piece is in G Major, and is written in 4/4 time. In the right hand, thirds are featured in the second part of the piece, as well as an unusual ending and rhythmic pattern. The left hand introduces chords that are held over in the middle of the bar (bars 12, 13, 14) to provide a different rhythmic feel, and fundamental and counterbass notes are featured.
Mystique
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €7.00/ Buy
This is a somewhat moody piece best described as a dark, romantic rhapsody (Rhapsody in Black?), with a hint of spice. It is written in G minor, in 4/4 time. After a repeated eight bar theme (using only two chords to support the minor/diminished treble note sequence), a second eight-bar theme is introduced to a simple, constant, throbbing and heavy walking bass/chord structure. Treble and bass parts are then reversed, the treble carrying the heavy chords while the bass takes another form of the dark melody until the second theme is restated. Treble triplets and jazzy stabbed bass chords follow like a startled interlude before the original theme is softly restated. The finale comes a little unexpectedly in the shape of inverted G minor arpeggios.
Nuance
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.00/ Buy
This piece is unusual in that its bass accompaniment and rhythmic feel is provided almost entirely by bass chords (either separately or two chords together) rather than the usual fundamental bass/chord structure. Meanwhile, the treble theme is a clearly stated dance lasting 10 bars, which is followed by several further motifs based on the opening notes in the first bar of the piece. Thirds in the treble then lead the piece into a more playful mode, which continues to the end of the section, before following the dal segno signs. The whole piece is based around the key signatures of Eb Major and Bb minor.
Precipice
Solo/SB/Grade 9/Price €??? Buy
This composition was conceived as a piece that could be played as a “showpiece” for stage performance as well as for international competitions. It is based around the story of a volcanic eruption and a boy named Qalaalo (pronounced kalarlo, which means ‘near the cliff’ in his language) – a happy-go-lucky young man who is the head of his tribal family in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, living at the base of Mount Tavurvur – an active volcano. The volcano comes to life (Bars 1 and 2). Half asleep, he thinks he’s dreaming (the four notes in the third bar, played at leisure on the bass keyboard and repeated in the treble keyboard). And the story continues….
Written in the keys of G and E Major, with excursions into F# major and B minor, there are varying degrees of complexity within what looks at first to be a simple piece. Unlike much of today’s music, this piece presents the listener with several melodic motifs that can be remembered, and the player with musical and instrumental challenges that require both technical and interpretative skills. Time signatures used include 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 7/8, 8/4, and 14/8.
Resolution
Solo/SB/Grade 7/Price €7.00/ Buy
This composition is written throughout in Ab Major, although it actually ends in C Major. It is written in the unusual time signature of 11/8, and requires the accordionist to be able to maintain an accuracy in counting (3+3+3+2) and rhythmic continuity. However, once established, the piece flows freely and so the unusual time signature is not noticed. Indeed, the time signature changes from 11/8, and into 8/8, 7/8, and ends in 7/4. It incorporates some bellows shakes that require the performer to have good control of the instrument. The piece is ideally suited to the piano accordion, due to the layout and fingering of the treble keyboard chords within. A good technical standard is also required.
Rhapsidium for a Rainy Day
Solo/SB/Grade 7/Price €5.20/ Buy
This warm classical composition is written in E Major. It requires finger dexterity and good control of the instrument in order to perform across its varied rhythmic range with precision and expression. The phrasing and note accenting, four-note treble chords and bolero-like melody are all balanced by some double-note bass work to support the rhythmic flow, together with several changes of coupler (register). As the indications state, nobile con moto and attacca con subito con fuoco are at its very essence.
Scotch Grass
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price €6.50/ Buy
This piece takes a rather light-hearted look at music that is best described as typically Scottish in nature and feel. It has a lilting aspect to it that combines the syncopation of a Scottish dance with a rhythmic pulse that drives it along. It is written throughout in the uplifting key of A major.
Serenity
Solo/SB/Grade 5/Price €6.50/ Buy
This piece, written in F Major, is calming in its effect on both performer and listener, although there are occasional bursts of energy. It invites the utmost in feeling and an empathy with the instrument on the part of the performer, who should use the rubato designation to good effect.
Seven Over Eight
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €???/ Buy
This fast-moving piece – written entirely in C Major – invites the performer into a time zone which varies between 7/8 and 8/8, tests the performer’s ability to play treble chords cleanly, with a jazzy feel, as well as single note runs – while keeping up the varying time changes to attain a consistently bouncy, jazzy feel. The first section is based on simple three-note chords and various inversions in the key of C Major, plus a couple of eight- and nine-note treble runs, while inviting a degree of dexterity in performing upper mordents in the treble. The second section (which starts with an acciaccatura) provides an eight-bar tune in the treble, together with some right hand runs, together with phrasing and dynamic ranges that will test the performer.
The bass (left hand) section contains chords, single note motifs, and also provides emphasis, punctuation and the rhythm and impetus to sustain the phrasing, drive and consistency required during performance of this jazzy composition, which also teaches the performer to play in an unusual time signature. It is ideally suited to Stradella bass instruments, although it can also be played on free-bass instruments.
Squash
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €5.00/ Buy
This is a simple but cute little piece written in 4/4 time, with two sections, plus an introduction. It is written in C Major, and has a very hummable and memorable little theme. It also has dynamics and phrasing to accompany its light hearted, lilting feel.
Streets
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price ???/ Buy
Written in C Major, the piece starts in the treble with a lead-in note, then minims and crochets set the tune in the first eight bars. The second eight is a sort of answer, but introduces staccato notes, more phrasing, articulation, and dynamic markings, as well as bass notes and chords together at the climax of the piece. Only three chords are used (C, F, and G Major) in the bass keyboard and these sets the tone and keeps the rhythm going throughout, with no variation in timing.
Subterfuge
Ensemble/SB/Grade 7/Price €22.00 (Score and 2 of each part/ Buy
The composition Subterfuge is scored in four parts for accordion orchestra (including tympani).
Subterfuge Two
Sunny Days
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €6.50/ Buy
Written in A Major throughout, this piece is for the performer who wants to play in a jazzy, but controlled style. It is a jazz waltz, but with a 6/8 feel at times, and demands a loose, fluid style of the performer, together with technical playing skills that melds melody, harmony and good fingering ability into one cohesive unit. The first eight bars of the 16-bar first section (following a 4 bar introduction) represent a brazen theme which could be an introduction in itself, and is restated twice more during the piece. The main theme, or tune, comes later. Overall, it is a swinging, upbeat composition that will leave the performer, and the listener, wanting more.
Tampopo
Solo/SB/Grade 6/Price €6.50/ Buy
This is an emotive piece, written in D Major, with an excursion in F# minor, and has a delicate introduction (the title is taken from the Japanese film of the same name, and is dedicated to the main female character), and this actually sets the tone and rhythmic structure of the first and following sections. The treble notes used in the introduction are also used throughout the first two sections, so it’s rather like a theme with embedded variations, all in a major key. The third section, which accelerates, is in a minor key, which then goes back to the major key. The entire piece, but particularly the introduction, should be played in a loose, languid manor, with lots of personal expression and emotion.
The Happy Gnome
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €7.00/ Buy
This bright, lighthearted piece, written in 4/4 in the keys of G, E, and B Major in an ABA form, incorporates an extensive use of triplets in the right hand, as well as a little syncopation, and three- and four-note treble chords. It requires a steady 4/4 rhythm in the basses, where the 7th chord is used several times, as is note accenting.
The Naughty Monkey
Solo/SB/Grade 3/Price €5.20/ Buy
Starting in D minor, this piece has three sections (including a repeat of the first section). The first section is written in 4/4 time in the key of D minor, while the second section (in more of a cantabile – or “singing” style) transfers into D Major.
The Swiss Efficiency Polka
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.50/ Buy
This fast-paced polka (it’s almost a two-step) starts in A Major, but has sections also in D Major and E Major, before returning to A major in the final section. It is a brisk, happy piece, which involves the combination of smooth phrasing and staccato, as well as triplets on the treble keyboard, with important accenting throughout. The basses provide rhythmic accompaniment and are thus uncomplicated, although there are many chord changes. It is designed to teach the player about the importance of correct fingering in order to achieve the feeling of flow, rhythm and efficiency.
Three Down Up (SB/FB)
Solo/SB/Grade 2/Price €8.00/ Buy
The introduction of this cute little piece starts with a bass notes and chord sequence, for just two bars before the treble takes over with a playful melody that stays within a five-note treble range. There is much use of phrasing and staccato notes, and dynamics and expression play a large part in the overall feel and rhythmic flow. Just three major chords are used (hence the title). It is written in C Major, in 4/4 time.
Three Down Up (FB)
Solo/FB/Grade 2/Price €8.00/ Buy
The introduction of this cute little piece starts with an accented bass note sequence, for just two bars before the treble takes over with a playful melody that stays within a five-note treble range. There is much use of phrasing and staccato notes, and dynamics and expression play a large part in the overall feel and rhythmic flow. The ending contains bass notes in thirds and fifths. It is written in C Major, in 4/4 time.
Topaz
Duet/SB/Grade 3/Price €6.00/ Buy
Written in 4/4, this is an elementary duet that is quite pretty. Written in C Major, it gives the duettists a chance to show off their coordination, particularly with regard to expression, dynamics, and note lengths
Tunnels
Solo/SB/Grade 1/Price €???/ Buy
Two Boots
Duet/SB/Grade 4/Price €5.20/ Buy
Written in 3/ 4 time, in F Major and D minor, this playful duet displays many tied notes and a rhythmic feel that gives the piece light-hearted billing. A mix of staccato notes in the treble and careful phrasing provides a canonic feeling in the minor section. The final few bars require absolute togetherness in order to achieve a sparkling, accented finish
Upside Down Polka
Solo/SB/Grade 4/Price €6.50/ Buy
This fast-paced, danceable, somewhat jazzy polka is written in 4/4 time in C Major, in which it stays throughout. However, it delivers a rhythmic jolt at the end of every section – most of which are repeated – in the form of a bar in 6/4, together with multiple accents. The accompaniment is a solid bass and chord structure that supports the busy treble keyboard and fingering required of the right hand.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]