Selected and reviewed by ANDREW EALES
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Faber Music’s Piano Player series has established a strong identity since the first volume, celebrating British Classics appeared back in 2022. The series is aimed at adult players at intermediate level, each tastefully presented title offering an imaginative selection of around 20 pieces (a mixture of originals and arrangements) around a specific concept.
Originally, seven titles were advertised, each sporting the artwork of Edward Bawden on its cover (and as a mini posted pullout included within), but somewhere along the line a Christmas Time collection was added and now, bringing the list up to nine titles thus far, a new collection of arrangements of film music.
This arrival is clearly an indication of the popularity these publications have already gained, and as always it delivers an interesting and appealing selection of music…
The Best Themes?
The tag line for this new title claims it offers “21 of the best themes from the biggest films”. It’s a tough claim to quantify, and I have to admit that personally I have only seen about two thirds of the films. In any case, here’s the full list, and I’m sure most readers will find plenty to enjoy here:
- Ethel & Ernest from Ethel & Ernest
- The Lion Sleeps Tonight from The Lion King
- The Departure from The Leftovers
- Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close from Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
- Hedwig’s Theme from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
- Day One from Interstellar
- Bella’s Lullaby from Twilight
- Chocolat (Main Title) from Chocolat
- Vesper from Casino Royale
- Balcony Scene from William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet
- Mia & Sebastian’s Theme from La La Land
- Fairytale Opening from Shrek
- Concerning Hobbits from The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
- The Imperial March from Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back
- Newt Says Goodbye to Tina/Jacob’s Bakery from Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
- Brooks Was Here from The Shawshank Redemption
- Piano Solo Theme from Love Affair
- Goodnight Monk from American Fiction
- Flying Chocolatiers from Wonka
- As Time Goes By from Casablanca
- House of Woodcock from Phantom Thread
In common with other books in the series, there’s a wide range in terms of difficulty, and the collection is organised (as listed above) with the easiest pieces first, ascending in difficulty to suit players from around early intermediate to advanced level, UK Grade 3-8.
As usual in this series, the arrangers aren’t credited, but much of this material has appeared in various other Faber Music collections that I have reviewed in recent years. For example, several of these arrangements are exact reproductions of those included in the more substantial Faber Music Soundtracks Piano Anthology which I reviewed here.
Generally speaking, these are great arrangements, although I was surprised by their decision to revisit the Hedwig’s Theme adaptation in which hands repeatedly collide, bearing in mind that they have better versions in their catalogue.
Happily, fingering is included throughout, a continuing strength of the series. And the presentation in general (although printed on white paper) remains another particular joy: The Piano Player has proven itself a classy addition to the pianist’s library, and the strengths of this series which I have previously commented on all apply here.
In case you wish to recap the other titles in the series, here’s the links to my reviews, including full listings of pieces:
Piano Player • Classical Pieces
The latest and final addition to Faber Music’s ‘Piano Player’ series delivers a collection of beloved (and in a few cases lesser-known) classical pieces from the eighteenth to early twentieth centuries.
Piano Player • Classical Chillout
For those who enjoy Faber’s Piano Player series it is an obvious must-have, but for those looking for a lovely collection of more relaxed pieces it also jumps to the top of my pile of recommendations. And in so crowded a market, that’s quite something!…
Piano Player • Christmas Time
As a simple book of seasonal fare, this surprise addition to Faber’s “Piano Player” imprint joins a crowded market, but for collectors of the series its appeal will be obvious, while for those wanting a fairly standard book of Christmas music it makes an attractive and affordable choice…
Piano Player • Uplifting Classics
Uplifting Classics, in common with its predecessors in Faber’s “Piano Player” series, is perfectly poised to win the affection of adult players who enjoy exploring great tunes, and are ready for a fresh smile!
Piano Player • Tear-Jerkers
Oozing class, and filled with such a good selection of high quality pieces and arrangements, it seems to me that Faber Music have gone to extra lengths to make this book a hugely rewarding one, suitable for players from around Grades 4-6.
Piano Player • Wintertide
With its gorgeous presentation, superb musical selection, adept pianistic arrangements and helpful fingering, it is very easy to recommend Faber Music’s Wintertide Collection to late intermediate and more advanced players everywhere:
Piano Player • Classical Favourites
Faber Music’s “The Piano Player: Classical Favourites” features 20 of the most popular pieces of classical music, some originals but in most cases arrangements.
Piano Player • British Classics
This superb collection makes a fitting tribute to British creativity, with a wide range of piano music and arrangements to suit intermediate players.
Closing Thoughts
I have reviewed numerous series over the past decade, many of which have not only proven popular among the learners and players who visit my studio but also gained traction far beyond. Faber Music’s Piano Player series undeniably falls into this category.
This new addition will, I am sure, be another hit: warmly welcomed by existing collectors, a useful addition in education settings, and an essential purchase for all players who are interested in exploring movie music in a concise, varied, well-presented and keenly priced collection.
The Piano Player Movie Soundtracks is a very easy recommendation!
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