Misty Morning – Waltz – Intermediate (Grade 3)

Description

Misty Morning is a gentle jazz waltz in a ballad style, ideal for intermediate pianists at the grade 3-4 level (ABRSM, AMEB or RCM).

Here in the UK, lockdown restrictions were recently lifted and so we decided to treat ourselves to a day trip into London. We wandered around Regents Park and I felt inspired to compose this piece by the wonderful names of the 12,000 roses planted in Queen Mary's Garden. Misty Morning is indeed one of those roses.

The title of this waltz reminds me of the crisp winter mornings as I sit with a cup of tea, watching the dawn when life is just beginning to stir outside. I hope you like the peaceful feel of the melody.

Misty Morning is best played con. Ped to keep things smooth and lyrical, with plenty of expression.

You might have noticed that the performance clip recording has a swing feel. However, it's best to play the quarter note quavers 'straight' without a swing and you'll find that it will still blend well. Simply relax into the piece and see how it takes you. If you do feel the need to swing, then that's fine too.

The sheet music for Misty Morning also comes with the following MP3 audio recordings:

• Performance recording
• Play-along backing track (drums, bass)
• Slow tempo practice backing (at 80bpm)