Bravissimo!, Book 3: Early Intermediate Piano Book

Brown's gift here is the sheer variety packed into 11 pieces without sacrificing musical integrity. Each selection has genuine character and personality; they're not interchangeable etudes dressed up as "pieces." The 2-3 page length keeps students from getting bogged down, while the range of moods and tempos gives you real programming flexibility.

The collection has a refreshing spirit of discovery. One moment you're scaling majestic peaks; the next you're swaying in a lazy river groove; then suddenly you're caught up in a chase scene. There's an unselfconscious joy in these pieces that students respond to immediately, and audiences hear music that feels substantial rather than merely utilitarian.

This book lands squarely in the early intermediate zone, making it ideal for students who've moved past beginner method books but aren't yet ready for the technical demands of standard classical sonatas. Teachers seeking supplemental repertoire for recitals, festivals, or simply keeping students engaged throughout the year will find consistent, reliable material here.

• Treat the tempo markings as character guides, not just speed instructions. "With a bounce" in Just Joking Around means the touch should be light and playful, which changes how students approach the phrasing and pedal.
• Let the programmatic titles anchor your rehearsal. Ask students to listen to or imagine the specific scene (White Mountain's grandeur, the laziness of Blue River, the urgency of The Chase) before they begin learning notes.
• The three-movement Sonatina offers a natural arc for performance. Consider programming it as a standalone feature rather than breaking it across multiple recitals.
• Balance technical demands across a recital by alternating between the more lyrical pieces and those requiring rhythmic precision or tempo control.

These pieces work beautifully as core repertoire for a spring or fall student recital, where you can program several selections to showcase range and growth without overwhelming your lineup. They also function as excellent confidence-builders for students preparing for their first festivals or competitions at the early intermediate level.

• Sustaining lyrical lines with consistent voicing and pedal awareness
• Rhythmic precision in syncopated and swing-inflected passages
• Three-movement form comprehension and architectural pacing across a longer work
• Tempo flexibility and character interpretation from written descriptors
• Quick, accurate page-turning management in 2-3 page formats