Grand Favorites for Piano, Book 3: Piano Book

Bober's arrangements strike a genuine balance between accessibility and musicianship. The mix of classical themes (Bach, Beethoven, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, Verdi, Haydn) alongside folk songs gives late elementary pianists immediate wins while introducing them to the composers they'll encounter throughout their musical lives.

These pieces sparkle with recognition and warmth. You hear melodies you already love supported by accompaniments that feel natural under the hand, creating the satisfaction of sounding polished without the struggle. There's genuine joy in discovering that a famous Beethoven theme or a folk favorite can sound genuinely musical when well-arranged.

Late elementary pianists ready to move beyond single-line melodies and simple accompaniments will find these arrangements engaging and achievable. Teachers seeking repertoire that combines beloved classical and folk material in one collection will appreciate having coordinated, pedagogically sound arrangements all at the same level.

• Shape the phrasing by thinking of the original melody first, then letting your hand dynamics shape the accompaniment naturally rather than playing it as a separate entity.
• Pay attention to Bober's articulation markings. They're intentional guides to the character of each piece, especially in folk arrangements where staccato can add charm.
• Let the familiar melodies breathe. Because these pieces are recognizable, resist rushing through passages. The audience is enjoying the journey, not waiting for the destination.

Build a thematic recital around musical heritage by mixing 2-3 of these pieces with other compositions at the same or slightly higher level. The collection works beautifully for holiday performances, church services, or family recitals where audiences appreciate recognizable melodies with a fresh arrangement. These also make ideal selections for students preparing for competition or festival categories requiring classical or folk repertoire.

• Balancing melody and accompaniment textures
• Phrase shaping in familiar musical contexts
• Reading and executing varied articulation markings
• Hand independence in two-part writing
• Interpreting arranged vs. original versions of known works