Popular Performer: Mercer: Piano Book

Bober's arrangements honor Mercer's sophisticated lyrical craft by keeping the melody front and center while providing pianistically interesting accompaniments that don't overshadow the song. The inclusion of lyrics transforms these from purely instrumental pieces into something richer: a chance for students to understand the wit and elegance of Mercer's wordplay while they play. This collection bridges the gap between classical recital repertoire and the Great American Songbook with accessible yet genuinely musical writing.

These songs carry the warmth of mid-century sophistication paired with Mercer's gift for memorable, clever lyrics. Playing through this collection feels like discovering old favorites you've somehow always known; the arrangements are elegant without pretension, and the melodies lodge themselves in both hands and heart.

Pianists at the advanced level who are ready to explore the Great American Songbook and want repertoire with genuine artistic substance beyond technical display. These arrangements work equally well for students preparing recital material and for pianists seeking accessible performance pieces for social settings or community events.

• Let the vocal line breathe as if a singer were performing it. Resist the urge to rush; Mercer's lyrics contain clever turns of phrase that deserve space and clarity in the melodic line.
• Balance accompaniment texture so the listener hears the story the lyrics tell. If chords feel heavy, lighten the touch or reduce the volume of the left hand proportionally.
• Use the printed lyrics as your interpretation guide. A line like "days of wine and roses" demands different tone color and phrasing than "the glow worm."

Program a suite of two or three of these pieces in a student recital to anchor a themed concert segment around American songwriting, or use individual selections as encores. In a studio setting, these work beautifully as rewards for students who've completed more demanding classical repertoire, offering a bridge into jazz-inflected styles and popular music with artistic credibility.

• Phrasing longer melodic lines with lyrical intent and shape
• Balancing melody and accompaniment to highlight vocal character
• Interpreting harmonic color in jazz-influenced chord progressions
• Sight-reading at advanced level with stylistic awareness