Dennis Alexander - Compositions

Dennis Alexander / Compositions

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Late Intermediate Solo Collections

Just for You, Bk. 4

The fourth book in this popular series contains 10 solos written in a variety of styles and moods. Entertaining for the performer and listener, this volume contains lyrical waltzes, romantic ballads, lively rags and swinging jazz pieces.

Selections: A - Cool Move; B - Ryan's Lullaby; C - Notturno in Eb Major

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Dennis Alexander's Favorite Solos, Bk. 3

The contents of this book have been personally selected by Dennis Alexander as some of his all-time favorite sheet music solos. Many of the solos are among the most requested by piano teachers and students alike. The varied styles of each piece makes this book a valuable supplement to most piano methods. This book contains 7 late intermediate to early advanced pieces including: Danse Humoresque * Journey of the Heart * Reverie in F Minor * Serenade in E-flat Major * Smooth Talker * Tarantella Burleska * Toccata Spirito

Selections: (A) Journey of the Heart; (B) Danse Humoresque; (C) Reverie in f minor; (D) Toccata Spirito

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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The Magic of Music, Bk. 3

The exciting pieces in these collections are designed to entertain, reinforce and enhance the important music and technical skills being studied during the early levels. Students will develop their own magical imaginations with the repertoire contained in this series. Titles include: * BE BOPPIN' BOOGIE * GIVE ME FIVE * LIKE YESTERDAY * MIDNIGHT WALTZ * MOORISH GARDENS * MOUNTAIN MISTS * TWIRLATHON

Selections: A. Midnight Waltz ; B.Twirlathon; C. Give Me Five

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Twenty-Four Character Preludes (with CD)

This collection of preludes in all major and minor keys contains a wealth of pedagogical challenges for the late intermediate to early advanced level student. Each prelude is designed to explore one or more pianistic problems, and serves as excellent preparatory repertoire for the more complex character pieces of the great masters of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The sounds of Bach, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel, Gershwin, Prokofieff and Copland are echoed in the pieces in this collection. Dennis Alexander has recorded beautiful solo renditions of all 24 pieces on a correlated compact disc, which is packaged with each book in a convenient vinyl slip-pocket. The recordings are ideal for students to listen to at home for performance modeling and for quick teaching reference as you assign selections.

Selections: A. Celestial Lullaby; B. Zigzag; C. Bravissimo; D. Smoldering Blues; E. Dreamcatchers

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Twenty-Four Character Preludes

Selections: A. Celestial Lullaby; B. Zigzag; C. Bravissimo; D. Smoldering Blues; E. Dreamcatchers

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Keys to Stylistic Mastery, Bk. 3 (Clarfield, Alexander)

Keys to Stylistic Mastery teaches the basic principles of the five stylistic periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, Impressionist and Contemporary) to piano students. The pieces were chosen to provide a helpful transition from method books to the classics. Composer Dennis Alexander has written at least one piece in the style of each period. Information about each style period, listing selected composers, keyboard instruments and typical forms, precedes the music from that period. Brief biographies of all composers represented are included.

Selections: A. Reinhold - Hungarian Dance; B. Debussy - Album Leaf; C. Alexander - Toccata Chromatica; D. Table of Contents, Bk. 3; E. Contemporary Stylistic Traits

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Keys to Artistic Performance, Bk. 2 (Clarfield, Alexander)

This book is designed to teach students the skills that will transform average performances into polished, artistic ones. These skills are used by professional pianists to make their performances more expressive and dramatic. They are the "keys to artistic performance". The five "keys" for achieving performance artistry are: Color, Pedaling, Rubato, Characterization, Choreography. The authors have selected repertoire that showcases the five "keys" highlighted in this series. Several familiar favorites have been included, as well as some less-familiar pieces. Dennis Alexander has composed pieces especially for this series that feature and highlight the "keys" to artistic performance.

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

Selections: A. Alexander - Rapsodia Espanola; B. Alexander - Whimsy; C. Alexander - Gallactica; D. Mendelssohn - Venetian Gondola Song; E. Table of Contents Bk. 2

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Simply Sonatinas, Bk. 2

For teachers who are searaching for new sonatinas with lively rhythmic appeal and colorful harmonies, this collection may be that welcome addition to your library of teaching materials. The rewards garnered from studying sonatinas include an appreciation of form, balance and symmetry; a greater awareness of balance between melody and accompaniment; and perhaps most importantly, a wonderful sense of accomplishment after having completed "a work in three movements!"

Selections: A. Sonatina in D Major, I. Presto; B. Sonatina in g minor, I. Allegro giocoso; C. Sonatina in F Major, I. Allegro vivo

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Planet Earth

This sensational set of late intermediate to early advanced piano solo pieces captures the spirit and grandeur of the magnificent world around us and encourages students to help preserve the natural wonders of our beautiful planet. Many musical moods are explored to encourage the performer to play with more expression and musicality. Each composition is accompanied by a dramatic photograph. Titles include: * IN THE BEGINNING... * JESTER * MOUNTAIN NOCTURNE * SOLITUDE * SPRING WATERS * TURBULENCE!

Selections: A. In the Beginning; B. Spring Waters; C. Turbulence

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Showstoppers

Showstoppers! contains five flashy solos for intermediate to late intermediate pianists. Carefully crafted with patterns that "fit the hand," these dazzling selections provide rapid gratification for students looking for a recital or festival winner. Titles include: EL DIABLO, FRENZY, PERPETUAL MOTION, TEMPEST, TERRA-TOCCATA

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Keys to Artistic Performance, Bk. 3

Selections: A. Alexander - Toccata Lyrica; B. Torjussen - To the Rising Sun; C. Chopin - Prelude in B minor, Op. 28, No. 6; D. Table of Contents Bk. 3

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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Especially for Adults, Bk. 3

Over the years, my work with adult piano students has proven to be immensely rewarding and gratifying. Adults tend to be very self-motivated individuals who study piano because they love music and have always wanted to play piano, or in many cases, regret quitting piano lessons as a child. Their musical interests are different from those of children taking piano lessons. Adults need music that "warms the heart," provides opportunity for gradual technical growth and provides motivation for consistent practice. The music in "Especially for Adults", Bk. 1 is designed to accomplish all of the above. Adults will experience a real sense of accomplishment when they play these solos that contain beautiful, rich harmonies; numerous patterns that easily fit the hands; and lyrical melodies that speak to their emotions. The pieces sound sophisticated, and the titles themselves reflect this sophistication. In addition to the original music composed for this series, I have also arranged some favorite classical melodies that adults will know and enjoy.

The "Especially for Adults" series is the perfect supplement for any adult method book and will provide motivational repertoire in a variety of appealing styles for teenagers and adults of all ages.

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

(A. Canon in D/New World Symphony Medley B. Touch a Rainbow ; C. Just Groovin')

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Especially in Romantic Style, Bk. 3

Music written in romantic style is instantly appealing and some of the most accessible in terms of interpretation. Much of the music from the Romantic era was written especially for the piano. "Especially in Romantic Style" was written for pianist who love the expressive qualities of this instrument and the sounds of the romantic style. The warm, lyrical melodies and the rich harmonies of these pieces will appeal to pianists of any age. Through this music, students can learn to play with a beautiful tone, listen to each note, and shape musical phrases, preparing them to study the great Romantic period piano masterpieces of Chopin, Mendelssohn and Schumann. It is my hope that each of these musical vignettes will inspire students to create a beautiful sound and to play with expressiveness, musicality and finesse.

Titles Include: EVOCATION IMPROVISATION NO. 1 IN A DANCIN' MOOD MIDNIGHT MEDITATION THE PROMISE OF SPRING SERENITYA SPECIAL SOMEONE

Selections: A. Midnight Meditation; B. Improvisation No. 1; C. The Promise of Spring

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT.

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A Splash of Color, Bk. 3 (Late Intermediate)

Teachers are always searching for pieces which will immediately attract the attention of their junior high and high school students. My own students at this age always enjoy learning through the use of imagery, and I frequently resort to the use of various colors in hopes of stretching their imaginations to new heights. Some of your students may possibly think of other colors when playing these pieces, and of course that is not only good, but it is encouraged! The important point is that the music creates a response; the student should feel inspired by both the music and the power of imagination. I hope that the music will bring many smiles to your students' faces and give them a sense of renewed enthusiasm for practicing the piano. Enjoy!

Titles include: LEMON ZEST; FIELDS OF LAVENDER; BLACK AND WHITE !; AQUAMARINE; TANGO A LA MANGO; TITANIUM TOCCATA; DARK CHESTNUT

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. Lemon Zest; B. Tango a la Mango; C. Black and White!)

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Especially in Jazzy Style, Bk. 3

I have always loved improvising at the piano, and I am so fortunate that my piano teachers I studied with as a child never discouraged me from doing this! I worked my way through college by playing in a private dinner club every weekend for almost four years. It was then that I really learned to appreciate and experiment with jazz styles. I've always felt that classically trained pianists would play music by the master composers even better if they had the ability to improvise and/or perform music by some of the jazz greats such as Oscar Peterson and George Shearing. Young pianists today can benefit so much from the syncopated rhythms of jazz, the unique and often unexpected harmonies, and the freedom of expression inherent in this style. In "Especially in Jazzy Style, Book 3", students will be motivated by the infectious rhythms, harmonies, and lyrical melodies found in the pieces. Teachers will have fun sharing the challenges of jazz styles with students, who might be playing this type of music for the very first time. Enjoy, and be inspired by your personal interpretation of the solos in this collection.

Titles include: ALWAYS AND FOREVER * BARCLAY STREET BLUES * DOUBLE DUTY * IN MY OWN SPACE * JAZZ AT FIVE * A MILLION MILES AWAY * PORTO ALEGRE

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. Barclay Street Blues B. Always and Forever C. Jazz at Five)

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Five-Star Solos, Bk. 6

Choosing just the right piece for each student is one of the most important attributes of a good teacher. I love it when I hear things like, "Mr. A., can I please play the piece that Brenda played on the last recital?" or, "Mr. A., the piece that John played is one of the coolest pieces I've ever heard! Do you think I could play it?"

The books in the Five-Star Solos series provide students and teachers with a wide variety of pieces at graded levels. An array of styles, colors, tempos, and moods are included in each book. Ballads, waltzes, Latin pieces, contemporary sounds, and "showstoppers" all combine to make teaching fun and exciting. At the same time, students will be rewarded with music that sets them apart from the crowd. Have fun exploring page after page of music that will have students smiling and parents glowing. I hope that you find many new "favorites" in this series, and I wish you continued success and joy in your musical journey! Dennis Alexander

Titles include: Distant Thoughts -- La Magia de la Rumba -- On Golden Wings -- Rebel Rouser! -- Sarabande Elegante -- Scherzo Capriccioso

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. La Magia de la Rumba; B. On Golden Wings; C. Sarabande Elegante)

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Nocturnes, Bk. 2

Nocturnes represent quiet and meditative night music. Typically found in nocturnes are lyrical melodic lines, beautiful harmonies, and left-hand arpeggiated accompaniment patterns. Each nocturne in this collection has these qualities along with their own unique character, mood, and sophisticated sound. The pieces are meant to encourage students to better understand the beauty and elegance of the Romantic-period style. Similar in style and form to those of Frédéric Chopin, these technically accessible nocturnes are suitable for student recitals and competitions. Book 2 contains the last 6 of 14 nocturnes at the intermediate to late intermediate levels. Titles: Nocturne No. 9 in A Minor * Nocturne No. 10 in F Major * Nocturne No. 11 in D Major * Nocturne No. 12 in D-flat Major * Nocturne No. 13 in G Major * Nocturne No. 14 in F Minor.Book 1 contains the first 8 of 14 nocturnes for early intermediate to intermediate pianists.

Titles: Nocturne No. 1 in C Major * Nocturne No. 2 in E Minor * Nocturne No. 3 in F Major * Nocturne No. 4 in D Minor * Nocturne No. 5 in G Major * Nocturne No. 6 in A Minor * Nocturne No. 7 in G Minor * Nocturne No. 8 in D Major.

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. Nocturne No. 13 in G Major; B. Nocturne No. 9 in a minor; C. Nocturne No. 11 in D Major)

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Toccatas, Bk. 2

The word toccata comes from the Italian word toccare (to touch). Such virtuosic pieces for the keyboard typically display the performer's technique. Each piece in this collection provides an opportunity to demonstrate dexterity combined with musicality, characterization, and a genuine command of the instrument. These flashy, exciting toccatas will let students shine in recitals, competitions, and festivals. Titles: Blue, Blue Toccata * Platinum Toccata * Toccata alla Tarantella * Toccata Espagnol * Toccata Intrepido.

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. Blue, Blue Toccata; B. Toccata alla Tarantella; C. Toccata Espagnol)

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Magnificent Overtures (Intermediate-Late Intermediate)

"Overture" has been defined as an introduction to something more substantial. Dennis Alexander's Overture series is just that! Magnificent Overtures is the final volume and features repertoire perfect for auditions, festivals, and recitals. Featuring everything from mixed meters to a romantic waltz to impressionism, it's all here! Titles: Boundless Joy * Capriccio in E Minor * Gardens in the Mist * Juxtaposition * Mystical Odyssey * Scherzo Chromatique * Serenity * * Whimsy! * Valse Sentimentale.

To hear Dennis Alexander perform any of these piano pieces, CLICK on the MP3 icon(s) to the RIGHT. (A. Capriccio in E minor; B. Mystical Odyssey; C. Juxtaposition)

This sheet music can be purchased from your favorite music dealer or: Order Now