The Music ’Tis madness. Truly. To the Portuguese, who originated this musical form in the late 15th century, La Folia (Foh-LEE-ah) was music for singing and dancing, and the singing and dancing were often so riotous that the participants appeared “empty-headed.” The Folia was a 16-bar melodic and harmonic pattern,…
Developing Artist Literature

It’s that time of year! An avalanche of leaves, of cornstalks and pumpkins—and of fast notes in A minor skittering wildly about the keys. An avalanche is sudden and overwhelming. Enjoy this riveting performance of Stephen Heller’s famous “Avalanche” by Ms. Kate Acone, from Piano Literature for a Dark and Stormy Night.…

In keeping with the Year of Technique and Artistry, Nancy and Randall Faber are pleased to present Hanon-Faber, The New Virtuoso Pianist—a fresh, new approach to the 150-year-old keyboard exercises of Charles-Louis Hanon. Why This Edition? Concert artists recognize that finger strength is subordinate to the coordinated use of fingers, wrist…

Developing Artist Preparatory Piano Literature, Pg. 16, Circle Dance Warming up with A Minor five-finger scales, Sam is learning to express “con moto.” He clearly makes his “con moto” approach a musical shape, and he applies this idea to Circle Dance with natural ease. It’s evident that he is thinking…