Blackthorn in Blossom, Duet
$12.00
Blackthorn in Blossom, Piano Duet is an expressive and heartfelt arrangement of a traditional Ukrainian folk song that tells a story of love and loss. This duet setting brings both Primo and Secondo into close musical conversation, with rotating eighth-note figures that reflect the influence of the bandura (a traditional plucked string instrument combining elements of lute, harp, and zither). Its graceful, folk-inspired lyricism and clear rhythmic motion make it a wonderful recital choice for early intermediate players.
Key: C minor
Time Signature: 3/4 BPM 140
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: 40 measures | Performance time: ~1:05
Wondering what it sounds like?
Teaching Focus: Ensemble balance, expressive phrasing, rotating eighth-note patterns, cultural empathy
This purchase includes a Studio License, allowing use with students in your private studio. Thank you for honoring the composer’s work by not sharing files outside your studio.
Want more like this? Explore other ensemble pieces and seasonal trios in the collection.
Blackthorn in Blossom, Piano Duet is an expressive and heartfelt arrangement of a traditional Ukrainian folk song that tells a story of love and loss. This duet setting brings both Primo and Secondo into close musical conversation, with rotating eighth-note figures that reflect the influence of the bandura (a traditional plucked string instrument combining elements of lute, harp, and zither). Its graceful, folk-inspired lyricism and clear rhythmic motion make it a wonderful recital choice for early intermediate players.
Key: C minor
Time Signature: 3/4 BPM 140
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: 40 measures | Performance time: ~1:05
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
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Pleasant Grove, Duet
Pleasant Grove, Early Intermediate Duet evokes the quiet charm and gentle beauty of a shady Texas grove where breezes play through the leaves. Crafted for two players at one piano, this piece offers balanced melodic material for both Primo and Secondo, with flowing lines, warm harmonies, and rhythmic clarity that make ensemble collaboration rewarding and expressive. With graceful phrasing and subtle interplay, this duet encourages students to shape tone, listen closely, and build confidence in balanced duet performance.
Pleasant Grove is part of the Texas Landscapes Duet Collection, which also includes Sweetwater Junction, Bailar al Sol, and Caprock Canyon — four contrasting duets inspired by iconic Texas places and landscapes.
Key: E minor
Time Signature: 3/4 BPM 88
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 8 pages music | Performance time: ~1:45
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pleasant-Grove-duet-PERFORMANCE.mp3"][/audio] Pleasant Grove, Duet
Pleasant Grove, Early Intermediate Duet evokes the quiet charm and gentle beauty of a shady Texas grove where breezes play through the leaves. Crafted for two players at one piano, this piece offers balanced melodic material for both Primo and Secondo, with flowing lines, warm harmonies, and rhythmic clarity that make ensemble collaboration rewarding and expressive. With graceful phrasing and subtle interplay, this duet encourages students to shape tone, listen closely, and build confidence in balanced duet performance.
Pleasant Grove is part of the Texas Landscapes Duet Collection, which also includes Sweetwater Junction, Bailar al Sol, and Caprock Canyon — four contrasting duets inspired by iconic Texas places and landscapes.
Key: E minor
Time Signature: 3/4 BPM 88
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 8 pages music | Performance time: ~1:45
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Pleasant-Grove-duet-PERFORMANCE.mp3"][/audio]
Sweetwater Junction, Duet
Sweetwater Junction captures the feeling of wide-open West Texas from the innocent perspective of a young traveler on her first train ride. The rhythmic click-ety-clack of the train wheels creates forward motion throughout the piece, while contrasting A and B sections add color and storytelling. Both Primo and Secondo share melodic responsibility, making this an engaging and well-balanced duet for early intermediate players. Syncopation, expressive phrasing, cross-hand arpeggios, and subtle tempo changes provide excellent teaching opportunities while keeping the musical narrative vivid and fun.
Sweetwater Junction is part of the Texas Landscapes Duet Collection, which also includes Bailar al Sol, Pleasant Grove, and Caprock Canyon—four contrasting duets inspired by iconic Texas places and landscapes.
Key: G Major
Time Signature: 4/4, BPM 132
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 6 pages music | Performance time: ~1:50
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sweetwater-audio-best.mp3"][/audio] Sweetwater Junction, Duet
Sweetwater Junction captures the feeling of wide-open West Texas from the innocent perspective of a young traveler on her first train ride. The rhythmic click-ety-clack of the train wheels creates forward motion throughout the piece, while contrasting A and B sections add color and storytelling. Both Primo and Secondo share melodic responsibility, making this an engaging and well-balanced duet for early intermediate players. Syncopation, expressive phrasing, cross-hand arpeggios, and subtle tempo changes provide excellent teaching opportunities while keeping the musical narrative vivid and fun.
Sweetwater Junction is part of the Texas Landscapes Duet Collection, which also includes Bailar al Sol, Pleasant Grove, and Caprock Canyon—four contrasting duets inspired by iconic Texas places and landscapes.
Key: G Major
Time Signature: 4/4, BPM 132
Level: Early Intermediate
Length: Cover + 6 pages music | Performance time: ~1:50
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Sweetwater-audio-best.mp3"][/audio]
Secrets in the Shadows, Duet
Key: A natural minor with occasional accidentals
Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM ≈ 162–184)
Teaching Focus: Steady eighth-note patterns, syncopated melodic rhythms, balance between hands, dynamic contrast, ensemble coordination
Level: Intermediate
Length: Cover + 6 pages music | Performance time: ~1:30
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Secrets-in-the-Shadows-DUET.mp3"][/audio] Secrets in the Shadows, Duet
Key: A natural minor with occasional accidentals
Time Signature: 4/4 (BPM ≈ 162–184)
Teaching Focus: Steady eighth-note patterns, syncopated melodic rhythms, balance between hands, dynamic contrast, ensemble coordination
Level: Intermediate
Length: Cover + 6 pages music | Performance time: ~1:30
Wondering what it sounds like? Take a listen.
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Secrets-in-the-Shadows-DUET.mp3"][/audio]Related products
Ice Crystals, Solo
Ice Crystals paints a shimmering winter soundscape that invites players into an imaginative musical moment. Written with expressive nuance and evocative color, this early intermediate solo uses the una corda (soft) pedal in a meaningful way — something many students don’t encounter until later — to create a subtle, whispery tone perfect for evoking crisp air, glittering snow, and frost-covered trees. The piece was commissioned for a pedal-technique collection and has been highlighted by teachers and performers for its irresistible atmosphere and musical storytelling qualities.
"This piece is beautiful and well-crafted pedagogically. I’ve been using it with an adult student with great success. He likes that’s he’s finally getting to use his una corda pedal and enjoying the challenge of moving around the keyboard. It’s a great piece to teach important concepts and reflect on the frigid Ohio winter temperatures!" ~William P
Key Info
• Key: E Natural Minor / expressive modal colors
• Level: Early Intermediate
• Character: Impressionistic, lyrical, atmospheric
Ice Crystals, Solo
Ice Crystals paints a shimmering winter soundscape that invites players into an imaginative musical moment. Written with expressive nuance and evocative color, this early intermediate solo uses the una corda (soft) pedal in a meaningful way — something many students don’t encounter until later — to create a subtle, whispery tone perfect for evoking crisp air, glittering snow, and frost-covered trees. The piece was commissioned for a pedal-technique collection and has been highlighted by teachers and performers for its irresistible atmosphere and musical storytelling qualities.
"This piece is beautiful and well-crafted pedagogically. I’ve been using it with an adult student with great success. He likes that’s he’s finally getting to use his una corda pedal and enjoying the challenge of moving around the keyboard. It’s a great piece to teach important concepts and reflect on the frigid Ohio winter temperatures!" ~William P
Key Info
• Key: E Natural Minor / expressive modal colors
• Level: Early Intermediate
• Character: Impressionistic, lyrical, atmospheric
Happy Birthday, Flexible Ensemble
Happy Birthday! is a versatile, multi-level ensemble activity built around the familiar celebratory tune — perfect for group lessons, studio classes, or anytime you want a quick, fun ensemble experience. Each part is written as a short line that can be mixed, moved, and combined in many creative ways, making this ideal for flexible grouping, sight-reading practice, lead-sheet introduction, and rhythm exploration.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts (Melody, Harmonic Chords with Chord Symbols, Bass Line, Counter Melody, Rhythm Focus/Hand Percussion)
• Intermediate-level “teacher” accompaniment part and an example solo arrangement
• Parts that can be combined on one piano or across several instruments
• FREE Backing track with three repetitions for rehearsing or performance
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/happy-birthday-Backing-Track.mp3"][/audio] Happy Birthday, Flexible Ensemble
Happy Birthday! is a versatile, multi-level ensemble activity built around the familiar celebratory tune — perfect for group lessons, studio classes, or anytime you want a quick, fun ensemble experience. Each part is written as a short line that can be mixed, moved, and combined in many creative ways, making this ideal for flexible grouping, sight-reading practice, lead-sheet introduction, and rhythm exploration.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts (Melody, Harmonic Chords with Chord Symbols, Bass Line, Counter Melody, Rhythm Focus/Hand Percussion)
• Intermediate-level “teacher” accompaniment part and an example solo arrangement
• Parts that can be combined on one piano or across several instruments
• FREE Backing track with three repetitions for rehearsing or performance
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/happy-birthday-Backing-Track.mp3"][/audio]
Ready to Be a Rock Star, Multi Level Ensemble
Ready to Be a Rock Star brings the high-energy feel of pop/rock-style playing into a multi-level piano ensemble that lets students feel like they’re part of a band. With driving rhythms, bold motifs, and parts that can be played at multiple skill levels, this flexible ensemble gives every student a chance to shine at their own pace while contributing to an exciting group performance. Whether you use it in group lessons, studio classes, or recitals, it’s designed to build confidence, groove, and musical teamwork.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts suitable for mixed levels
• Progressive parts that work together or independently
• Flexible use as ensemble or progressive solo activities
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ready-to-Be-a-Rock-Star-FAST.mp3"][/audio] Ready to Be a Rock Star, Multi Level Ensemble
Ready to Be a Rock Star brings the high-energy feel of pop/rock-style playing into a multi-level piano ensemble that lets students feel like they’re part of a band. With driving rhythms, bold motifs, and parts that can be played at multiple skill levels, this flexible ensemble gives every student a chance to shine at their own pace while contributing to an exciting group performance. Whether you use it in group lessons, studio classes, or recitals, it’s designed to build confidence, groove, and musical teamwork.
What’s Included
• Multiple ensemble parts suitable for mixed levels
• Progressive parts that work together or independently
• Flexible use as ensemble or progressive solo activities
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ready-to-Be-a-Rock-Star-FAST.mp3"][/audio]
The Holly and the Ivy, Solo
The Holly and the Ivy brings a joyful, dance-like spirit to the holiday season with a fresh piano solo arrangement of this traditional Christmas carol. Light, lilting rhythms and flowing left-hand motion create a graceful, uplifting motion — perfect as special music for church (prelude/offertory/postlude) or a beautiful recital piece that feels festive without being technically overwhelming.
Key Info
• Key: G Major (traditional carol setting)
• Time signature: 3/4 (dance-like feel)
• Level: Early Intermediate - Intermediate
• How long: Cover + 3 pages (approx. ~2:40–3:00 performance time)
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Holly-and-the-Ivy-.mp3"][/audio] The Holly and the Ivy, Solo
The Holly and the Ivy brings a joyful, dance-like spirit to the holiday season with a fresh piano solo arrangement of this traditional Christmas carol. Light, lilting rhythms and flowing left-hand motion create a graceful, uplifting motion — perfect as special music for church (prelude/offertory/postlude) or a beautiful recital piece that feels festive without being technically overwhelming.
Key Info
• Key: G Major (traditional carol setting)
• Time signature: 3/4 (dance-like feel)
• Level: Early Intermediate - Intermediate
• How long: Cover + 3 pages (approx. ~2:40–3:00 performance time)
Wondering what it sounds like?
[audio mp3="https://susanstaplesbellmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/The-Holly-and-the-Ivy-.mp3"][/audio]
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