Honouring the Seasons is a set of four grade 4-5 /  intermediate piano solos each based on a different season.
 
Spring Awakening by Catherine Wilson is energetic and optimistic with an exhilarating feel.  
 
The 4/4 time signature is mostly divided into a 3, 3, 2 pattern that is driven by the left hand and creates an air of excitement while the hand crossing increases the range of notes covered to add movement and to convey a sense of space and growth.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 4 - 5 / Intermediate
 
Key: C major
 
Time signature: 4/4 - split into quavers / eighth notes 3, 3, 2
 
Features: Driving left hand ostinato-style patterns, hand crossing, chords in 3rds, 4ths, 5ths, 6ths
 
Focus: To work on finger strength and dexterity, coordination, chord placement
 
Summer Sunset over the Sea by Catherine Wilson is relaxing, calming and peaceful.  
 
The sweeping ostinato style of the left hand, combined with the meandering right hand rising and falling patterns, helps to build the image of waves, while the chords in the right hand mimic gulls calling.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 4 - 5 / Intermediate
 
Key: G major
 
Time signature: 4/4
 
Features: Flowing pianistic left hand patterns, chords of 3rds and 4ths in right hand, scale-like melodic motifs
 
Focus: To work on finger dexterity and strength, coordination, maintaining a consistent pulse 
 
Falling for Autumn is playful, whimsical and atmospheric.  
 
The flurries of notes in the right hand evoke movement that is supported by a driving left hand that also helps create momentum.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 4 - 5 / Intermediate
 
Key: Tonal centre F
 
Time signature: 6/8
 
Features: Flowing pianistic left hand ostinato-style patterns, Semiquaver / sixteenth-note triplets, short melodic motifs
 
Focus: To work on finger strength and dexterity, coordination, rhythmic control
 
A Winter’s Journey by Catherine Wilson creates a sense of searching and determination combined with a mystical feel.  
 
The ritornello form helps structure the adventure by using a theme to suggest wandering along, interspersed with sections that are suggestive of meeting different characters along the way.
 
Instrument: Piano Solo
 
Approximate difficulty level: Grade 4 - 5 / Intermediate
 
Key: D natural minor
 
Time signature: 4/4
 
Features: Motivic repetition, interval jumps spanning up to an octave, pianistic left hand patterns
 
Focus: To work on finger strength, coordination, intervallic recognition