Grand Favorites for Piano, Book 1: Piano Book

These arrangements strike an uncommon balance between recognizable material that excites young pianists and genuinely musical writing that respects the pieces' original character. Bober's early elementary voicings avoid the clunky feel common in beginner books, trading it instead for sonorities that sound sophisticated even on a student piano. A pianist working through this collection gains real repertoire, not just exercises dressed up as songs.

Opening this book is like being invited to a concert where every piece feels both familiar and fresh. The classical themes emerge with genuine character, whether tender and lyrical or spirited and bright. Familiar melodies take on new dimension when clothed in Bober's thoughtful arrangements, creating moments of real musicianship within reach.

Early elementary pianists ready to move beyond simple primer arrangements and explore a wider range of musical styles and periods. Teachers seeking a resource that develops technical fundamentals while building their students' knowledge of classical and folk traditions. Any student eager to discover why these themes have endured for centuries.

• Pedal sparingly in the folk song arrangements; these pieces gain clarity and charm when the sustain pedal is used only on longer phrases or harmonic changes rather than throughout.
• Shape the baroque selections (Bach's Musette, Trumpet Voluntary) with gentle articulation and attention to the natural phrasing lines, even at this accessible level.
• Let character pieces like Morning Mood and Rage over a Lost Penny breathe; resist the urge to hurry through the emotional arcs, however simple the technical demands.
• Approach the orchestral transcriptions (William Tell Overture, Barcarolle) as opportunities to explore different timbral qualities by varying touch and tone production.

Feature individual selections in student recitals to provide variety within early elementary programming, allowing young pianists to perform recognized works without overwhelming complexity. Use the collection as a bridge repertoire unit in lesson rotation, assigning different pieces to different students based on their developing interests and technique. The folk song arrangements work especially well for informal performances, holiday programs, or community gatherings where accessible, recognizable music serves the occasion.

• Playing across multiple octaves and hand positions on the keyboard
• Recognizing and interpreting different musical forms and styles (baroque, romantic, folk traditions)
• Pedal awareness and selective sustain pedal control
• Sight-reading at early elementary level with mixed rhythmic figures
• Touch differentiation for character and expression within simplified textures
• Performing recognized melodies with musical intention rather than mechanical accuracy