Pirate's Tarantella Cover Image

Pirate's Tarantella: Piano Sheet

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Pirate's Tarantella Cover Image

Pirate's Tarantella: Piano Sheet

By Catherine Rollin

Level: Late Elementary

Item: 00-42408

$3.50
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Description
Catherine Rollin has created a bold and lively pirate's dance in this fun-filled solo. The key of A minor sets the proper "pirate mood", and the quick 6/8 meter is perfect for a spirited dance. The running eighth-note melody shows off agile fingers, and the majestic chords in the middle section add an exciting contrast in this A-B-A form. A Federation Festivals 2016-2020 selection.

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Additional Details
Series: Signature Series
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
ISBN10: 1-4706-1086-8
ISBN13: 978-1-4706-1086-9
UPC: 038081473055
SKU: 00-42408

More about this title

About the Composer: Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin balances an active composing practice with mentoring accomplished students, having led workshops and masterclasses across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. She holds a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree with distinction from the University of Michigan and a Master of Music degree from Oakland University School of Performing Arts.

Rollin's compositions have earned numerous recognitions, including commissions from Clavier Companion magazine, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Michigan Music Teachers Association. Her work has been selected multiple times for the National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals Bulletin, and she has served as a national judge for both the MTNA Student Composition Competition and the Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest. In 2018, MTNA commissioned Suite Detroit, a trio for flute, alto saxophone, and piano, which premiered at the MTNA national conference in Orlando. The Steinway Society featured her that same year in concert, highlighting her ASCAP award-winning Museum Masterpieces series.

Why we love this

Rollin's gift for character writing shines here. The A minor tonality and 6/8 meter do more than suggest "pirate" mood; they establish it immediately, giving students a clear musical context for their interpretation. The piece rewards energetic playing with a satisfying curve: bright, nimble passagework builds to rich harmonic texture, then returns home, so the performer feels both technically challenged and artistically complete.

What to expect

A swashbuckling adventure in miniature. The music dances with swagger, the eighth-note runs sparkle with mischief, and the middle section's bold harmonies suggest scenes of treasure and daring. It's theatrical without being precious, and playful without losing musical substance.

Who it's for

Late elementary pianists who have solid finger independence and can manage quick passagework in the right hand. This piece rewards students who enjoy character music and respond well to a clear narrative arc within a short timeframe.

How to get the most out of it

  • Let the running eighth-note figures sing at a genuine tempo. These passages should feel like they're moving with purpose, not scrambling; a steady pulse in the bass makes all the difference.
  • Shape the middle section's majestic chords as a dramatic turning point. This is where the piece shifts color and weight, so lean into the harmonic richness and allow dynamics to expand.
  • Pay attention to articulation within the melody line. A combination of legato and slight separation can clarify the dance-like character without sacrificing forward momentum.

How to use it

This works as a lively recital opener or closer, especially in a young students' showcase where it energizes the room. Its clear sectional structure and distinctive character also make it an excellent choice for festival competition, where the piece's personality gives performers something memorable to express.

Skills your students will build

  • Rapid eighth-note passage work in 6/8 meter
  • Sustaining tempo through quick, repeating figures
  • Dynamic contrast between melody-driven and harmony-rich sections
  • Projecting character and narrative through a compact A-B-A form
  • Coordination between independent hand parts at quicker tempos

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