Cream of the Crop, Book 2 Cover Image

Cream of the Crop, Book 2: Piano Book

$7.99 USD
$7.99 USD
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Cream of the Crop, Book 2 Cover Image
Cream of the Crop, Book 2: Piano Book

Cream of the Crop, Book 2: Piano Book

Level: Intermediate

Item: 00-0658
$7.99
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Description
The Cream of the Crop series is a representative selection of some of the most popular piano solos in a century of the publishing history of Summy-Birchard. These best-sellers have survived the test of time. Book 2 is for the early intermediate student. Titles: Flamenco * Roller-Skating * The Elf and the Fairy * Bagpipers * Whirling Leaves * Black Boots * Theme and Variation on a Spiritual * From a Lighthouse Window * Etude * Turkish Rondo * Chattering Monkeys * Frolicky Rollicky Wind.

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 40
ISBN10: 0-87487-658-3
ISBN13: 978-0-87487-658-1
UPC: 029156129694
SKU: 00-0658

More about this title

Why we love this

This collection draws from a century of Summy-Birchard publishing, meaning every piece here has already proven itself in countless studios and recitals. The variety is genuine: you'll find character pieces, etudes, and variations that keep students engaged without overwhelming them at the early intermediate level. Each title reads like a mini-adventure, turning practice time into genuine musical storytelling.

What to expect

Opening this book feels like discovering a treasure chest of musical moods: whimsy, drama, reflection, and playfulness all coexist. You'll find pieces that sparkle ('Roller-Skating,' 'Whirling Leaves') alongside those that invite introspection ('From a Lighthouse Window'), creating a balanced emotional landscape across the 40 pages.

Who it's for

Early intermediate pianists ready to move beyond basic technique books into literature that rewards musical interpretation. These pieces work equally well for students preparing for recitals, festivals, or simply deepening their love of the instrument through repertoire with genuine personality.

How to get the most out of it

  • Find the narrative arc in each title. 'Chattering Monkeys' and 'Roller-Skating' aren't just descriptive names; they're invitations to shape the sound and phrasing as if you're painting that scene at the keyboard.
  • Build articulation clarity in the faster pieces like 'Whirling Leaves' and 'Frolicky Rollicky Wind' by isolating problem measures at half tempo, then gradually releasing to performance speed.
  • Use 'Theme and Variation on a Spiritual' as an opportunity to explore how the same musical idea can sound fresh in different registers and rhythmic treatments.
  • Balance the lyrical quality in 'From a Lighthouse Window' by listening closely to your tone production; let the melody breathe rather than rush toward the next note.

How to use it

This collection is ideal for building a varied recital program; choose three or four contrasting pieces from different sections and let the titles themselves anchor your concert theme. Many teachers rotate through these pieces across a teaching year, assigning one as a 'feature work' each month alongside technique and etude studies.

Skills your students will build

  • Character interpretation through descriptive titles and musical imagery
  • Articulation contrasts (staccato, legato, and mixed touch)
  • Tempo and dynamic control in quick passages
  • Theme recognition and variation technique
  • Left-hand independence in accompaniment patterns
  • Pedal control and tonal color awareness

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