After three volumes drawing only on the piano solo repertoire, Volume 4 takes some of the most known and loved melodies from the orchestral realm that nevertheless makes for good piano adaptations. It’s a mix of various different source materials all arranged down for two intermediate piano hands: mostly movements from orchestral suites and symphonies, but also a couple from the more intimate world of chamber music, and no less than three piano concerto movements! In some cases there is a piano version as a semi-original that the composer produced himself, as in the case of Grieg, Elgar and Fauré; or there is only an ambitious piano reduction that is meant more for study than performance, as with Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. But despite this disparity, the collection forms a wonderful whole with both similarities in musical conception and contrasts of character and style. An Orchestral Orchard, providing you with delicious, sweet treats, whatever you are in the mood for!

The first section grows from classical vines: Two timeless string movements by Bach, two riveting excerpts from proper Beethoven symphonies, and a middle movement of a Mozart piano concerto – everything condensed down to comfortable piano solo arrangements. Then, a sample platter from five different European countries in their ripest romanticism: Two tales of the north from Grieg’s Norway; two warm melodies from Elgar’s England; two noble dances from Fauré’s France; an immersive intermezzo from Mascagni’s Italy; and finally two passionate piano concerto excerpts from Rachmaninoff’s Russia.