Twelve Timely Pieces Information

Twelve Timely Pieces

12 Original Character Pieces for Piano

This set of short character pieces were written for pianists looking for fresh ideas to study and perform for concerts, eisteddfods or examinations. Based on engaging melodies with intriguing rhythmic twists, they explore major and minor keys of up to two sharps and two flats, and a variety of time signatures from 2/4 to 7/4. The styles range from simple two part settings to meditative pieces with chromatic harmonies.

The Pieces

1. Happy Happy Joy Joy

Key: C 2/4 Grade 1–2

Uses an ostinato style figure based on harmonic 4ths and 5ths. Unified by the introductory theme — to which the words of the title can be sung — which appears again in the middle and at the end.

2. Mongolian Knights

Key: Am 2/4 Grade 1

A contrasting piece using similar harmonic devices to the first tune in a different context. The harmonic fifths create an eastern sound evoking the Knights of the title.

3. Charlie's Cheerful Chune

Key: C 3/4 Grade 1–2

A bright rising theme covering the range of a sixth. Features the dotted quarter note figure, use of imitation, and descending left hand lines which create interesting harmonies.

4. Sammy's Sad Soul

Key: Am 3/4 Grade 1–2

A counterpart to the previous piece — a falling theme over the range of a sixth in the minor key. Much use of phrasing and slurs to create an interesting texture and bring out various melodic ideas.

5. Celtic Country Dance

Key: G 4/4 Grade 2

Uses the appealing sound of harmonic fifths in a left rhythmic accompaniment pattern suggesting a country dance. Chromatic movements in the first section, with modern harmonies adding cheerful brightness at the end.

6. The Lonesome Bat

Key: Em 4/4 Grade 2

A two part work allowing the hands to have a conversation with each other. A good study in mixed eighth and quarter note rhythmic patterns.

7. No.5 is Alive

Key: F 5/4 Grade 2–3

A Jazz treatment of the 5/4 rhythm underpinning a gently flowing melody.

8. Spider on the Mirror

Key: Dm 5/4 Grade 3–4 AMEB Grade 3

Explores the curious keyboard phenomenon of the exact mirror of black and white notes moving outwards chromatically from D. In ternary form with a coda — the middle section features a jazzy rhythm punctuated by chord clusters, and the final two bars have octave leaps suggesting the movement of a spider covering a large area.

9. Minnamurra Rainforest Dreaming

Key: D 6/4 Grade 3–4 AMEB PFL Grade 3

An ambient work where broken chord figures float through 6th, 7th, and 9th chords. Played in rubato tempo to allow the dreamy melody to breathe gently. The 6/4 time signature is split in groups of two — performers may count in 3/2 if preferred.

10. Sleepy Creepy Ghost Story

Key: Bm 6/4 Grade 3

Harmonic fourths achieve a spooky effect. The creepy quality comes from the alternating stepwise movement of the accompanying chords and the open sound of the final chord — a ghostly chord with no 'body'!

11. Morse Code (Code B)

Key: B♭ 7/4 Grade 3–4

The opening percussive figure evokes Morse code. The 7/4 is treated in a highly rhythmic manner, somewhat like a Toccata. To achieve full effect the piece should be played quite fast.

12. Snow Gums in the Moonlight

Key: Gm 7/4 Grade 4–5

Opens with a jazzy one-bar introduction, then rising arpeggiated figures in the left hand accompany the flowing right hand melody. The second section uses the theme in a higher register with harmonic 6ths, finishing on a Minor 9th chord.