As Time Goes By (from "Casablanca") - Piano Solo: Piano Solo

Sharon Aaronson's arrangement of this iconic standard sits perfectly in the intermediate to early advanced range, allowing pianists to experience the harmonic richness of the song without requiring virtuosic technique. The arrangement respects the emotional weight of the melody while offering enough sophisticated voicings and accompaniment patterns to engage accomplished pianists. It's a piece that sounds beautiful in a recital and feels rewarding to play.

The arrangement captures the bittersweet nostalgia that made the song legendary in "Casablanca," with elegant voicings that evoke a smoky jazz club or intimate film moment. It balances the melody's poignant simplicity with sophisticated harmonies that reward careful listening and thoughtful playing.

This arrangement suits intermediate to early advanced pianists who want to develop their interpretive skills with material that has genuine historical and cultural significance. It appeals to students preparing recitals, adult learners exploring jazz and popular standards, and pianists building a foundation in arranging and harmonic sophistication.

• Shape the melody with subtle rubato, particularly at phrase beginnings and endings, to reflect the nostalgic character of the original film context.
• Balance the left hand accompaniment so it supports rather than obscures the vocal quality of the right hand melody.
• Pay attention to dynamic contrast between verse and chorus sections to highlight the song's structural development.
• Maintain steady tempo despite the temptation to slow down, letting the arrangement's harmonic movement create the sense of reflection without rushing the pacing.

Feature this arrangement in a recital exploring Golden Age standards or film music, where it can anchor a program spanning classical and popular traditions. Its intermediate difficulty makes it ideal for student showcases or salon-style performances where emotional authenticity matters as much as technical display.

• Voicing jazz and popular music chords in the left hand while maintaining melodic clarity
• Rubato and expressive phrasing in the context of a standards-based repertoire
• Understanding harmonic movement in the American songbook tradition
• Balancing accompaniment texture with melodic prominence