Piano Solo21'

SDG 03-202$ 12.95
SDG CD 041$ 15.00
Five contrasting movements offer a fantastic solo piano voyage that explores the history, nature, animals, and people of Cape May, New Jersey. The work displays contemporary compositional techniques including pandiatonicism, simultaneity, polytonality, and duo-choromaticism. The composer's edition offers a high degree of specificity in pedaling, as well as a detailed glossary.
See also Cape May Solitudes for Solo Piano (SDG 03-203)

Jeffrey Piper
Gullfriend at the Beach
Shrimp in the Sink
SS Atlantus
Longings


Piano Solo22-55'

SDG 99-204$ 10.95
SDG CD 2000 Performance CD$ 15.00
Eight solo piano works written at the composer's first sabbatical at Cape May, NJ, America's oldest seaside resort. The titles carry us through a day with the composer at the well known Colvmns by the Sea Bed and breakfast, right on the beach front. Of varied difficulty, the entire set may also be performed in combination with sound FX including the Atlantic Ocean, seagulls, and three sets of beautiful wind chimes.
See also North Atlantic Suite for Cello and Piano (SDG 01-201) and Seaside Sweets for Clar, Vln, Vla, Vlc, Pf (SDG Contact Publisher).

Sunday Morning Fire
Bernadette's Salsa Egg Dish
Jazz's Blues
One-six-three Jig
Full Count
Irish Fiddler's Dance
Night Shore Fog
Late Night Embers
Sunrise at Colvmns By The Sea


Piano Solo20'

SDG 03-203$ 9.95
SDG CD 041 Performance CD$ 15.00
A collection of five pensive piano pieces dedicated to past friends, pets, and remembrances. Glossary included.
See also Pedal Points Twenty-O-Six for Oboe and Harpsichord (SDG 07-201) and Atlantic Fantasy for Solo Piano (SDG 03-202).

Longings
Fire and Snow
Jackson Cove Moonrise
Sakura
Sweet Jaro
The Last Goodbye


Piano Solo4-6'

SDG 03-201 (Includes master class notes and glossary)$ 18.95
SDG CD 031$ 15.00
A collection of piano classics edited by composer/pianist, Jackson Berkey. His many years of study and teaching at the Juilliard School in New York City combine with his vast concertizing experience to make this a valuable teaching tool for late intermediate and advanced pianists.

Lento con gran espressione, Opus, Posth (Chopin)
Romanze in D-flat Major, Opus 24, Nr. 9 (Sibelius)
Prelude in B-minor, Opus 32, Nr. 10 (Rachmaninoff)
Consolation III in D-flat Major (Liszt)
La puerta del vino (Debussy)
Musette in D Major (Bach)
Sicilienne (Faure)
Sonata in D Major (Scarlatti)
Claire de lune (Debussy)
Homage to Thomas Campion (Berkey)
Sonata quasi una Fantasia (Beethoven)
Sarabande from "Pour le Piano" (Debussy)
Epilogo from "Escenas Romanticas" (Granados)


Piano or Harpsichord Solo'

Harpsichord Carols CD SDG CD 011$ 15.00
Berkey's Juilliard School of Music and Mannheim Steamroller influences combine to create very atypical arrangements of familiar holiday carols for keyboard. All may be performed on Harpsichord, Piano, or various Synthesizers.




Piano Solo4'

Piano Solo SDG 02-201 (includes performance CD)$ 6.95
Piano 4-hands SDG 02-206 (includes performance CD)$ 6.95
Strikingly similar to Chopin's Prelude in E minor (included in the publication), this work captures in music the quickly changing panorama of a moonrise over the Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
See also Pedal Points Twenty-O-Six for Oboe and Harpsichord (SDG 07-201)



Certain piano works by Bach, Shostakovitch, and Chopin share an identical harmonic journey. The PRELUDES AND FUGUES of Bach and Shostakovitch and the 24 PRELUDES of Chopin include works in all major and minor keys. Now, here in the 21st Century, Jackson Berkey's 24 NOCTURNES are ordered harmonically in a similar manner. Berkey's works traverse the "Circle of Fifths", alternating between major and relative minor keys. Although the composer maintains the 12 key signatures, occasionally the NOCTURNE at hand is in one of the modes of its indicated key signature, rather than having the key signature's "tonic" as the key center.

Many of Berkey's NOCTURNES intentionally emulate - structurally, melodically, technically - existing piano works by "classical" composers from different time periods. Here are several: Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt, Schumann, Debussy, Satie, Rachmaninoff, Stravinsky, Alberto Ginastera, William Schuman, and Serge Prokofiev.




"Remembering Serge Prokofieff"
Piano Solo2.2'

SDG 11-209$ 5.95
Remembering Serge Prokofieff does so stunningly in Nocturne No. 1. Full, rich chords provide the bass foundation after rapidly moving treble notes arrive gently from a distance in the opening. A study for the eye and the fingers, notations of each pattern are beautiful in their clarity and ultimate sparkle of energy.



"Heartbeat"
Piano Solo5.5'

SDG 11-208$ 5.95
The heart beats in an obvious notation - endless, ceaseless. The constancy of life emanates from a quiet foundation to become large, shifting tectonic plates of related key centers in its spicy harmonic journey. This Nocturne is represented by glorious bursts of color and dynamics, as well as quiet inner solace.



"Homage to Claude Debussy"
Piano Solo10.5'

SDG 12-201$ 5.95
There are hints of Debussy's Claire de lune and his La cathedrale engloutie in this Nocturne, but sounds of Erik Satie may also come to mind. Atypical to Debussy, however, Berkey's composition has detailed pedaling. Double stemming sometimes indicates melodic lines, which occur as part of a moving ostinato or accompanimental figure. In these instances, melodic pedaling is necessary for clarity. As with all of his piano works, Jackson writes with a high level of specificity, but there is always great opportunity for personal expression, as well.



Piano Solo3.7'

SDG 12-205$ 5.95
The harmonic language of E Minor Nocturne is one of shifting modes combined with a melody structured quartally — in 4ths, 2nds, and 7ths — and with chords built on 4ths and 5ths, implying extensions of 9ths, 11ths, and 13ths. To balance important melodic material and to maximize its consistency, the left hand crosses over the right hand as the latter executes the melody’s predominance. The influence of jazz is implied through colorful harmonic extensions.



"Sunny Blues"
Piano Solo4.5'

SDG 09-201$ 4.95
The harmonic and rhythmic notation requirements in jazz are complex and very fascinating. Inherently richly harmonic jazz presents the performer with a myriad of accidentals, often mixed in both hands simultaneously. Although Sunny Blues has a key signature of D major, its modal center is E (Dorian in D major). This Nocturne includes a combination of "swing" and "concrete" metric information.



"Homage to Fryderyk Chopin"
Piano Solo4.1'

SDG 11-206$ 5.95
Reminiscent of the beauty and poignancy of a Chopin nocturne, this Homage to Fryderyk Chopin pricks the tender soul and moistens the eyes. From extended Tonic and Dominant harmonies over varied pedal points to an abundance of expressive rhythmic and harmonic flourishes, the sweet delicacy of past memories comes alive.



Piano Solo3'

SDG 12-206$ 5.95
The structure of Nocturne in A Major is elegantly simple and very transparent. Following a brief introduction of the ostinato pattern, the melodic content is presented in three contrasting ways, including intertwining melody with ostinato and showcasing the melody on top of an extended pedal point. The rhythm is sometimes elusive with melody "off the beat" and later obvious and "on the beat". To provide clarity of the upper melodic lines, finger pedaling technique is employed.



"Homage to Johann Sebastian Bach"
Piano Solo4'

SDG 12-207$ 4.95
Although the form called "Nocturne" was unknown at the time of Bach, pianists will be reminded of his Prelude in B-flat Minor; Book I, W.T.C. The transparency so evident in Bach's music is discovered in the Nocturne in F# Minor. The beautiful, haunting melody draws in the listener. Included in the publication is a second engraving of No. 8 with the diminution of all note values to more closely match Bach's notation in his Prelude.



“Homage to Thomas Campion”
Piano Solo5.3'

SDG 12-203$ 5.95
The English poet and composer Thomas Campion (1567-1610) is the inspiration for Nocturne in E Major. His lyrics, "View Me, Lord, a Work of Thine", were chosen for a choral anthem for mixed voices. The main lyrical melody is set simply and elegantly in a somewhat strophic form. It leads to a strong release of emotion, as if in a refrain. The composer's romantic composition interweaves contrasting ranges and colors throughout the Nocturne, closing peacefully with a coda based on repetitive themes lying across a clocklike ostinato.



"Homage to Sergei Rachmaninoff"
Piano Solo7.5'

SDG 08-208$ 7.95
As its impetus, this Homage to Sergei Rachmaninoff uses the famous Rachmaninoff Prelude No. 12 in G-Sharp Minor, Opus 32. Despite the unabashed romantic nature, with its beautifully expressive middle section in the relative B major, there exists an ongoing harmonic struggle between the tonic and dominant harmonies. At other times, instead of peacefully coexisting, the two keys clash, showing both the tonic and dominant in the same bar, which creates increased emotion and expression.



“Homage to Emily Dickinson”
Piano Solo5.3'

SDG 13-203$ 5.95
Nocturne in E-Flat Major finds its foundation in a choral setting of Emily Dickinson's Certain Am I, known by its first line "I never saw a moor". The great underlying Truth and her strong faith in God is shown with great strength, as well as in the turmoil of her imagination. The Nocturne seems to swirl around in one's thoughts, as the fingers dance on the keys - imagining its reach, its power, its connection to all elements of the music. The gentle opening turns loose in a breathless and rapid emotion. After the apex, a calm and peaceful ending draws the Nocturne to its last breath.



"Nobility"
Piano Solo'

SDG 12-202$ 5.95
Reflections of a grand majesty hymn or nationalistic folk song develop from the huge and powerful homophonic/chordal writing. As with Berkey's writing, expressionism abounds in this Nocturne.



Piano Solo4'

SDG 08-203$ 5.95
Nocturne in G Minor is somewhat reminiscent of Rachmaninoff, Debussy, and Prokofiev, with an occasional passage taken almost directly from these masters. Much of the accompanimental aspect of the G Minor Nocturne is built on fast-moving, two-handed arpeggiations which may, in fact, be thought of as "home positions" that are altered significantly throughout by subtle note changes. Once the performer is familiar with the basic positions, the melodic material takes place in the "free hand," at times becoming choreographic both visually and physically via the crossing of the hands.



Piano Solo4'

SDG 08-205$ 4.95
This Nocturne focuses on the often unexplored mark of "license," the "rolled chord." A charming and stately dance in 3/4 time progresses gracefully from harpsichord technique to pianistic use of pedaling.



Piano Solo4'

SDG 08-204$ 4.95
This Nocturne emulates Igor Stravinsky and William Schuman, from an opening left hand ostinato and quiet single-voiced melody to a fortissimo, poly-chordal episode. A serene closing settles the drama.



Piano solos written to demonstrate various hand positions, melody-accompaniment-voicing balance, and rhythmic variety. Often specific techniques employed by famous composers are introduced and developed. This series is particularly suitable for adults and more mature intermediate students in recital and competition. The melodies are charming, and the rhythmic and harmonic language is rewarding.




(The Phillip Erklen Series)
Piano Solo2'

SDG 12-204$ 4.95
Hints of Mozartean Alberti bass figurations highlight this humorous work as echoes of Prokofieff are heard in the rhythmic patterns. A short journey into polytonality also adds to the fun.



(The Phillip Erklen Series)
Piano Solo3'

SDG 12-203$ 4.95
Written to introduce the rhythmic and melodic patterns, as well as hand positions necessary to play the great master's Moonlight Sonata, Movement 1, this piece has a lovely elegance and charm to its tender melody and accompaniment. The mode alternates between major and minor, and the melody moves among the bass, treble, and inner voices, including crossed hands.



Volume I
Piano Solo15'

SDG 93-201$ 9.95
Solo piano works "derived" from existing works in other genres. The Piano Derivations are retrospective in nature and represent an overview of the composer's work from 1975 to 1992. Source works for Volume I include the video score for Olympic, and music from the sacred choral cantatas The Glory of His Majesty, A Messenger Named John, and Come Follow Me!

Magnificat
Crucifixus
Gethsemane Prayer
Love One Another
Rock Destruction
Sam Squirrel


Volume II
Piano Solo14'

SDG 93-202$ 11.95
Source works for Volume II include Gloria in Excelsis Deo!, the video scores for Olympic and Grand Canyon, and the secular chamber works Voices from the Earth and American Perspective One.

Five-Point-Five Four
Blindengarten
Gloria
Summer Rain
Colorado Trail
Autumn Brilliance


Piano Solo21'

SDG 11-202$ 15.95
Piano Sonata is a brilliant culmination of piano study and exploration of tone, power, peace and delicacy, soaring melodies, pathos, robust rhythmic explosions, driving energy and clanging brass. The four-movement work is (I) Misterioso ~ Energico ~ Molto espressivo, (II) Scherzo movendo, (III) Pensieroso, (IV) Drammatico ~ Homage to Vincent Persichetti.



Piano Solo7.5'

SDG 08-202$ 5.95
This poignant, pianistic expression of life is reminiscent of the F-Sharp Major Romance by Robert Schumann. Ascending triads and a high ostinato figure lead to a majestic theme with dramatic climax, and, eventually to a quiet closing as the Firelight dims.



Piano Solo, Opt. Wind Chimes5'

SDG 02-205 (includes performance CD by the composer)$ 6.95
This setting of the beloved Japanese folk song is characterized by a peaceful coexistence of two ideas: a straightforward setting of the folk song combined with a high treble 5/4 ostinato. A minimalist approach in the work also suggests the use of wind chimes, visibly cued in the score.



Piano Solo14'

SDG 02-203 (includes performance CD by the composer)$ 10.95
This collection of five works for late intermediate or early advanced pianists focuses on rhythmic and technical adventures. Each piece includes shifting asymmetrical - symmetrical meters. Atypical notation is also occasionally used in the five titles. Each movement is highly descriptive and includes a "story" summary from the composer.

Samba Rhumba Walla Walla
Delaware Bay Ice
Sakura
Beach Caterpillar
Bernadette's Salsa Egg Dish


Piano Solo4'

SDG 02-202 (includes performance CD)$ 6.95
Reminiscent of Winter from The Seasons by Vivaldi, this is a study in artistic license applied to arpeggiation. The work is typified by a repeating 7-bar phrase.