Music

Birds
A Suite of Eight Impressionistic Studies
Seymour Bernstein

No composition by Seymour Bernstein has achieved more acclaim than Birds. In fact many musicians and critics view this suite of eight impressionistic studies as a classic. By carefully following the notational marks, including detailed pedal indications, pianists and audiences alike will revel in the textures and vivid sound pictures of The Purple Finch, The Humming Bird, The Woodpecker, The Sea Gull, The Chickadee, The Vulture, The Penguin, and The Eagle. While these pieces were conceived for upper intermediate students, they have, nevertheless, been often performed by advanced concert pianists. Wherever they are programmed, Birds clearly become a favorite of audiences.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Birds 2
A Second Suite of Nine Impressionistic Studies for Piano Solo
Seymour Bernstein

The nine masterful studies are somewhat more difficult than the pieces in Birds 1. There is a great variety in articulation. The piano is used as a echo chamber in the Phoenix. Musically the trills, glissandos and clusters give a wonderful picture of each bird. The pedaling is very specific and will teach pianists a great deal about resonance. The birds included in this set are Myna Bird, Swan, Robin, Owl, Roadrunner, Condor, Nightingale, Guinea Hen, and Phoenix. These pieces have been used by students and teachers worldwide for their evocative qualities.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Raccoons, Book One — A Musical Adventure for the Piano
Music, story and photos by Seymour Bernstein

This delightful book has for years been a staple for teachers. It contains nine excellent pieces about Seymour’s association with a family of raccoons that lived near his summer home in Maine. From Swoosh and Crash, a piece made up of sweeping waves of dissonant intervals, to the beautifully tender song called Friendship, this collection delights students of all ages. Each piece could serve as a recital piece without the accompanying story. Seymour understands how to write music that sounds difficult and substantial, buts plays easily and appropriately for the late elementary students. The titles of the pieces are: Swoosh and Crash, Silvery Path, Waiting in the Dark, Betty, Friendship, Crunch! Smack! Gulp! Gulp!, All Together, Sticky Marshmallows, and Farewell..

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Raccoons, Book Two — A Musical Adventure

Music, story and photos by Seymour Bernstein

This book continues the saga of the raccoon dubbed by Seymour- “Betty Crocker” and her family of four little raccoons. There are photos and stories about each of the young raccoons Morris, Penelope, Frisky, and Droopy. Each delightful piece depicts the antics of Betty and her family: Welcome Home, King of the Stairs, Dining with Mama, Contentedness, Penelope on the Bird Feeder, I’m Sorry, It’s Time You Knew, Visiting in the Rain, Time to Say Goodbye. Each piece is a terrific pedagogical lesson of high quality music for the elementary level using articulation variety, extended hand positions, glissandos, interval recognition. This is not only entertaining for children, but it sparks the imagination through the story and descriptive music.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Köchel and Sheila — A Musical Adventure about two Siamese Cats
Music, story and photos by Seymour Bernstein

A lover of nature in all forms, Seymour Bernstein has woven together music, stories, and photos of some of his favorite creatures. The mercurial antics and the great joy and fun that Seymour’s two Siamese cats gave him are reflected in these five pieces. This book is part of a series of books containing stories, photos, and music which are favorites with children and excellent for use in studio recitals. The titles of the pieces are: Fetching, Strolling With Daddy, King and Queen of the Ladder, The Master at the Piano, Parting.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Belinda the Chipmunk
Seymour Bernstein

This musical adventure traces the life of a spunky little chipmunk named Belinda. The twelve pieces are excellent lessons in articulation, phrasing, and musicality. There are hand-crossing triplets and passages containing fingering patterns that are important for intermediate playing. The pieces are in the keys of C, G, F, and D. The titles of the pieces are: Hello, World!, On the Trapeze, Curiosity, Hesitation, All in a Day’s Work, Thank You, Heaven is a Jar of Birdseed, Smiles on a Summer Day, Friends Forever, Snuggling, A Kiss For Belinda, I’ll Think of You.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

10 Organ Interludes
Seymour Bernstein

These organ interludes are Seymour Bernstein’s way of paying homage to the “King of Instruments.” They can be used as preludes, interludes or meditations. These pieces can be used as excellent supplemental repertoire for organ students. Since organs vary considerably in construction, the indications for registration and dynamics must be adjusted accordingly. There are suggestions for registrations given for each piece, and the pedal parts are simple, yet effective. A variety of keys and musical styles are represented.

Available at Manduca Music Publications

Earth Music Series

Earth Music Series Book I – V
Seymour Bernstein

Available at Manduca Music Publications

One World for SATB Chorus and Piano
Seymour Bernstein

This SATB arrangement is good for middle school choirs and has active parts for all singers. A moderato 3/4, this piece has a tuneful melody with nice chords in the piano in a legato ballad style. The text is about peace and the power of music.Lullaby for Carrieann

Available at Manduca Music Publications

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