Cityscapes: Eight Later Elementary Level Piano Solos.

by Eric Baumgartner. The Willis Music Company (P.O. Box 548, Florence, KY 41022-0548), 2001. 20 pp., $4.95. Late elementary.

Honking horns and busy city streets, shimmering city lights and the excitement at a baseball game or a parade all come alive in Cityscapes by jazz pianist Eric Baumgartner. Cityscapes is a set of eight original piano solos for the later elementary piano student. This set is moderately challenging, both technically and rhythmically, but accessible for this level student. I think young students will enjoy the fun rhythms, tuneful melodies and the influence of jazz harmonies. The pieces make nice supplementary material and can be played individually or as an entire suite.

The trip to the city begins with the piece titled "At the Ballgame." This piece invites the listener with well-known motives heard at any professional game. The listener is reminded of the victory of scoring a home run or the excitement of having bases loaded as the next player goes up to bat. The music builds to a climax as the player scores a run.

"Fountain Square" is a calm and expressive contrast to the first piece. Composed entirely of broken seventh chords, it is a patterned piece and fits well under the hands. Two-measure legato pedal, hands crossing and lots of color in the soft dynamic range are required. This lovely piece encourages expressive playing and was one of my favorites.

"Right, left, right, left"--here comes "Parade," a bright, happy and energetic piece that has a catchy tune over a simple walking bass line. The student will be required to shift hand positions, and there are a few tricky fingerings. Some experience with thumb-under arpeggios and the chromatic scale will be helpful to the student before playing this piece. It's short, sweet and very cute.

"Street Fair" follows with another carefree, happy ...