Fascinating Rhythm - Piano Solo: Piano Solo

This collection gives intermediate to early advanced pianists immediate access to iconic repertoire across wildly different styles—from Bach and Beethoven to Cole Porter and Stephen Sondheim—all arranged thoughtfully by Sharon Aaronson. The breadth means students develop taste and flexibility without having to hunt through dozens of separate scores, and the quality of arrangement ensures the music stays in the hands without sacrificing sophistication.

Stepping through this book is like moving through a musical museum where each room has a completely different atmosphere. One moment you're in the reverent quietness of a Baroque church; the next you're in a smoky jazz club or on a Broadway stage. The arranging respects each piece's character while making it singable and playable on a single instrument.

Intermediate to early advanced pianists preparing recitals, festival performances, or auditions who want polished arrangements of recognizable repertoire. Piano teachers will find this collection valuable for students ready to move beyond simplified versions but who benefit from expert arranging that doesn't require reading an orchestral reduction.

• Balance melody and accompaniment by listening to how the harmonic texture supports the tune; Aaronson's arrangements often layer the accompaniment in ways that can obscure the melody if you're not intentional about voicing.
• Approach the jazz and American songbook selections with rhythmic ease rather than metronomic precision; swing the eighth notes lightly in pieces like 'Fascinating Rhythm' and 'Take Five,' letting the groove breathe.
• Pay attention to the dynamic markings and color changes between pieces; moving from Clair de lune into The Pink Panther requires distinct tonal adjustments and a fresh musical attitude.
• Use the piano's pedal strategically in the classical selections, especially the Beethoven and Pachelbel arrangements, to let harmonies bloom without muddying the texture.

This works beautifully as a solo recital collection, letting you program thematically (all the classics together, all the jazz standards in a set, all the musical theater in a finale) or build a diverse 45-minute program that showcases range and versatility. It's also ideal for festival competitions where you can select 2-3 contrasting pieces from the same book, giving you practiced, polished material in multiple styles.

• Voice leading across multiple arrangements and styles
• Pedal technique in both classical and contemporary contexts
• Stylistic interpretation and tone color choices in unfamiliar genres
• Sight-reading facility across jazz voicings and musical theater idioms
• Rhythmic independence and swing feel in popular music arrangements