Andrew Higgins: Seasons: Piano Solo

This delightful set of miniatures was conceived as performance repertoire for the ambitious student. Each piece is short and succinct, often focussed on a single aspect of technique, style, and character. The mood of each musical idea reflects the changing seasons so the student is always responding to a narrative to help inform performance. The pieces range from intermediate to advanced and the collection is not specifically progressive; however the darker modern tones of the Autumn section are perhaps the most challenging. The shortness of the pieces derives from the Greek principle of gradus ad parnassum (steps to Parnassus) – each step is not especially challenging, and some easier than others, but as a collection they require variety technique and stamina, and will give great enjoyment and satisfaction to performer and listener.