Where is love? (Encore Plus, Book 2): Piano Solo

Nikki Iles' arrangement preserves the melody's warmth while building in just enough harmonic interest to keep Grade 3 pianists engaged without overwhelming them. The emotional weight of the song shines through in a compact, two-page format that rewards students who invest in phrasing and touch work rather than technical fireworks.

Tender and reflective, with the gentle hopefulness that defines Bart's musical voice. The arrangement sits comfortably under the hands while carrying genuine emotional depth; it's music that sounds simple but requires real musicality to bring to life.

Grade 3 pianists ready to move beyond purely technical exercises into repertoire that asks something musical from them. This works well for students developing sensitivity to tone production and phrasing, or for those encountering theatrical music in a classical context for the first time.

• Shape the melody line with subtle dynamic swells at phrase peaks rather than playing it as a single dynamic plane. This transforms a simple tune into something genuinely expressive.
• Balance the accompaniment to support rather than compete. Your left hand should anchor the harmony without pulling focus from the singing right-hand voice.
• Find a tempo that allows for gentle rubato in the melodic line. A steady, slightly contemplative pace gives the piece room to breathe emotionally.

This pairs naturally with other theatrical or pop-influenced repertoire in a young pianist's recital. It also works beautifully as part of a February or spring concert focused on accessible, emotionally resonant pieces that showcase musical growth without demanding pyrotechnics.

• Phrasing in melody lines and shaping longer musical sentences
• Balance between right-hand melody and left-hand accompaniment
• Sustaining expressive intent across a complete piece
• Playing with gentle rubato while maintaining harmonic stability