Transcriptions* 28 Transcriptions for solo piano:

Howard's neo-classical approach gives pianists substantial material that sounds sophisticated without requiring virtuosic pyrotechnics. The inclusion of "Portrait Gallery" and "In Metaphor, Solace" alongside twenty-six other pieces means you're getting a curated retrospective of his most effective writing for the instrument, all in one beautiful edition.

The neo-classical framework gives these pieces an orderly, almost architectural quality, yet they breathe with warmth and introspection. Howard's harmonic language is modern without becoming austere; instead it feels conversational, like someone sharing reflections drawn from observation rather than abstraction.

Advanced pianists seeking substantial contemporary material that balances technical engagement with genuine lyricism. This collection works equally well for recital programming, private study, or exploring how current composers approach the extended solo piano tradition.

• Let the harmonic shifts breathe. Howard's language often finds its power in subtle voice leading rather than dramatic gesture, so resist the urge to hurry between sections.
• Consult the photographs included in the volume. They inform the visual and emotional context for each piece, which often translates directly into interpretive choices at the keyboard.
• Shape long melodic lines with the same attention you'd give to a singer. These pieces are fundamentally vocal in their construction, even when spanning wide ranges on the piano.

Build an entire recital around selections from this collection, or weave individual pieces into programs pairing them with standard repertoire to demonstrate how contemporary composers continue the piano's expressive legacy. Several pieces work particularly well as concert openers or encores, given their immediate accessibility and memorable character.

• Voice leading across a wide keyboard range
• Translating textural and harmonic color through pedal control
• Sustaining long-lined melody against complex accompaniment patterns
• Interpreting contemporary notation and harmonic language
• Building narrative arc across shorter, connected musical ideas