Here are 54 of the most charming, scary, funny, and dancing pieces of the piano music of New Zealand's first years, written by 32 composers over 150 years. Their manuscripts were mostly unpublished - until now.
The earliest of the composers was the extraordinary Baron de Thierry. Fascinated by romantic tales of the voyages of Captain Cook, he bought land in the Hokianga in 1822. Later there were emigres escaping a war in Europe. Some of the pieces were written by children who went on to have marvellous musical careers. Other composers are still very much alive.
The music is suitable for a wide variety of pianists. Some are very easy and can be played by beginners. The pieces become successively more advanced, up to grade 7 level.
"This wonderful collection contains many delights and treasures from both familiar and completely unknown names. Pick this up today and explore it!" - Richard Mapp (Pianist at the NZ School of Music)