The Best of Bill Mahan is a project to identify from each of Bill’s 21 books the pieces that are most beloved. These selections will be made into a collection called, “The Best of Bill Mahan” and will be edited for piano (separate book) and possibly re-edited for harp. We have sent out an email and announced it on our FB page. Thus far the selections for the “Best of” book are:
“Tuscan Gold” from “Colors of Italy” – Stephanie Jankowski
Moon and Memories #1 from Moon and Memories
Spring Prelude from All of the Seasons of Spring (Janelle Ho)
Windows of Paris: Stephanie Sussmeier, Anna Jenkins and Miranda Lee
Long Ago – Kathleen Fleckenstein
Warm Sienna – Anna Jenkins
To see all of Bill Mahan’s books click HERE
On the “to-do” list is to identify which current collections need recordings made. In the early years of his composing, Mahan provided electronically generated sound files of his music. These were put on CDs and the package sold as “BCD” or Book CD Combos meant for practice purposes only. At some point, Mary (Radspinner) began editing Bill’s music and making a few tweaks here and there for ease of playing. The list is below with editorial notes.
All of the Seasons of Spring – Computer generated CD. Music notation needs a facelift. Some incorrect aracrusis. Titles: Spring Prelude, Janelle’s choice to edit and record | Just One Kiss of Spring | March Clouds | Rain | An April Lullaby | Good Morning to May | Here’s to June | Spring Nocturne
Moon and Memories – recording “on piano” has been completed by Mary. Titles are: Moon and Memories | Tete a Tete | Moonstone Beach | The Tender Hills | I’ll Remember You | Where Are you Now? | Fiesta Moon | Long Ago
California Gold has no recordings
Canyonsong is recorded on piano by MR
Colors of Italy – has been recorded on harp by Mary
Dreams of Ireland – has a recording, not sure if it is harp or computer generated
French Impressions – has a CD – likely computer generated
Harps and Friends – has a CD, likely computer generated
Iowa Winter – has a CD, likely computer generated
Iowa Rivers Suite – computer generated CD
Monarchs of Music – CD is played on harp by MR
Monet’s Garden – CD is performed on harp by MR
Paris Once Again – CD is performed on harp by MR
Remembering Home – no CD available
Sketches of Spain – CD available likely computer generated
The Bridges of Paris – no CD
The Harp Constellation – CD likely computer generated
The Harpers Coloring Book – no CD available
Montecito Suite – computer generated
Santa Barbara Suite – computer generated
The Frog and the Leprechaun – CD performed on harp by Tina Tourin
Contributions to the project are gladly accepted. Recordings are graciously accepted on piano or harp, and notation suggestions/edits are also welcome. Credit will be given to participants in this project.
