Baroque Folk: Piano Book

Name: Baroque Folk: Piano Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-522
Price: 8.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Familiar Folk Melodies Arranged to Teach

Arranged by Willard A. Palmer

Level: Early Intermediate / Intermediate

Item: 00-522

$8.99

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A collection of familiar folk melodies, such as "Aura Lee" and "The House of the Rising Sun," arranged in the baroque style, which prepares the student to perform the music of that period. Perfect for adding a light and humorous touch to any recital program. The selections in this book have been recorded by Kim O'Reilly on compact disc and cassette tape along with the selections from Christmas Holiday (#658).

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Sweet Betsy from Pike, Lavender's

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Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 32

ISBN10: 1-4706-1940-7

ISBN13: 978-1-4706-1940-4

UPC: 038081032146

SKU: 00-522

More about this title

About the Arranger: Willard A. Palmer

Willard A. Palmer was a prolific composer and arranger whose career spanned decades of significant contribution to music education and scholarship. With nearly 800 published works to his name, Palmer demonstrated versatility across accordion, piano, guitar, and voice, while his compositions were translated into multiple languages and adopted internationally. His foundation came early: a child prodigy who performed on radio at thirteen, he studied under Mae Vardeman, whose instruction in improvisation and technique shaped his artistic voice. Palmer's academic path took him through Whitworth College and Millsaps College, where he continued performing in ensembles and on radio, before earning his degree and pursuing advanced study at the Conservatory of Leipzig on scholarship.

Palmer's later career became focused on historical research and pedagogy, particularly in Baroque music and ornamentation, establishing him as a recognized authority in the field. He served as director of the Riemenschneider Bach Institute and joined the faculty at the University of Houston, teaching accordion courses for eighteen years and conducting research that informed the acclaimed Alfred Masterworks series. His scholarly work earned him honorary doctorates in Humanities (1971) and Music (1983), and he maintained professional affiliations with the American Federation of Musicians, American Accordionists' Association, and ASCAP throughout his career.

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Why we love this

Palmer's deep knowledge of Baroque style translates into arrangements that feel genuinely idiiomatic, not merely dressed-up folk tunes. The novelty angle creates genuine appeal for students who might resist "serious" repertoire, while the pedagogical value stands firm: learners absorb period characteristics through familiar melodies, making the transition to authentic baroque works feel less foreign. This collection delivers both musical substance and programming charm.

What to expect

A witty conversation between folk tradition and baroque refinement. The familiar melodies feel surprisingly at home in period dress, with contrapuntal textures and harmonic sophistication adding depth while the recognizable tunes keep the pieces grounded and approachable.

Who it's for

Early intermediate to intermediate pianists seeking accessible entry into baroque style and period performance practice. Students benefit from experiencing how structural understanding of baroque compositional techniques deepens their grasp of both the era and the familiar melodies themselves.

How to get the most out of it

Shape the melodic phrases with baroque articulation in mind. Palmer's arrangements invite you to add the clarity and ornamentation typical of the period, which will feel natural on familiar material.
Balance the harmonic foundation; the baroque textures require even weight between melody and accompaniment so the period style reads clearly.
Lean into the humor without overdoing it. The arrangement's wit comes from the juxtaposition of folk simplicity and baroque complexity, not from exaggeration.
Pay attention to Palmer's editorial markings for articulation and dynamics; they guide you toward authentic period interpretation while keeping the folk identity intact.

How to use it

Insert a baroque folk piece into an otherwise conventional student recital to provide contrast and lighten the mood without sacrificing musical substance. The collection works especially well when programming alongside more serious baroque literature, as it demonstrates range and offers the audience a moment of genuine delight.