Musical Treasures, Volume 2: Intermediate Piano Book

This collection speaks directly to the contemporary repertoire gap at the intermediate level. Komanetsky writes with genuine understanding of what intermediate pianists can handle musically and technically, avoiding both oversimplification and unnecessary complexity. The variety of compositional approaches means you'll find pieces that fit different programming moments, different student interests, and different learning objectives throughout the year.

A curated gallery of modern soundscapes using accessible instrumental writing. These pieces explore varied moods and textures, sometimes contemplative, sometimes energetic, while maintaining the clarity and directness that makes contemporary music rewarding rather than alienating for intermediate musicians.

Intermediate piano students ready to encounter contemporary compositional techniques and expanded sonic possibilities. Teachers who want contemporary repertoire that doesn't require advanced technical facility but does demand musical sophistication and interpretive engagement.

• Explore the extended articulation markings carefully before assigning. These aren't decorative; they define the character of each piece and deserve rehearsal time proportional to their importance in the texture.
• Pay attention to dynamic shaping across longer phrases rather than treating dynamics as isolated markings. This collection rewards expressive pedaling and controlled tone production.
• Treat rhythmic precision as non-negotiable even in lyrical passages. Contemporary writing often relies on exact rhythmic clarity to create its effect.

Draw from this collection throughout the year to balance standard repertoire and expose students to living compositional voices. Individual pieces work well on student recitals or mixed-level student showcases, and several pieces could function as thematic anchors for faculty recitals exploring contemporary piano writing.

• Reading and executing contemporary notational conventions and extended articulations
• Interpreting dynamic and tonal variety across different compositional styles
• Building independence across varied textural landscapes
• Developing interpretive choices within non-traditional harmonic and melodic frameworks