Settings of Silver: Early Advanced Piano Book

Kraus respects the melodic integrity of these hymns while giving them genuine pianistic substance. The arrangements sit comfortably under the hands at this level without resorting to oversimplification, making them ideal for students ready to move beyond basic repertoire into pieces with real interpretive depth.

These arrangements bridge devotion and artistry. Some moments feel intimate and reflective; others build with impressive harmonic movement. Throughout, there's a sense of reverence for the original melodies paired with creative reimagining at the keyboard.

Early advanced pianists preparing recital repertoire or festival auditions will find accessible yet substantive material here. This book works well for students who know these melodies from their own musical experience and are ready to explore them at a deeper level.

• Balance melody and accompaniment carefully. These hymn tunes deserve to sing, so resist the urge to let left-hand figures overwhelm the right-hand line.
• Explore the emotional arc within each piece. Note which arrangements lean toward intimacy and which toward grandeur, then let your touch and tempo choices reflect that distinction.
• Pay attention to the harmonic color Kraus adds. These aren't bare-bones hymn settings. Small touches of chromaticism or unexpected voice leading deserve subtle emphasis in your phrasing.

Use individual pieces as recital selections or as complementary programming alongside secular repertoire on the same concert. The range of character across the collection makes it possible to construct a cohesive set, or to select single pieces that suit your student's developing artistic voice.

• Reading advanced harmonic language and seventh chords
• Balancing multiple voices across the grand staff
• Sustaining legato over larger hand spans
• Interpreting dynamic subtlety and nuanced phrasing
• Recognizing and executing pedal techniques for color and resonance