I really enjoy when I get to review piano music because it means I have to sit down and play the piano, which I love to do! Yes, my piano is in the room directly across from where I do a lot of my work, but for some reason, I rarely make it to the bench, so it’s always nice having something I “have” to play.
So thanks to Mr. James Stevens, I was able to dust off some neglected piano keys and try out his Relaxing & Romantic Piano Vol. II music. 🙂 His first volume has been one of Sheet Music Plus’ best sellers.
Relaxing & Romantic Piano, Vol. II contains 27 original songs that are all a nice length of 3-4 pages. For some reason (I have no idea why!), I was anticipating to play some fun, melodically exciting numbers, but about halfway through I noticed all the songs sounded like what I would hear in a little boutique or at a wedding. And then I looked at the title again and said to myself, “Oh…they’re relaxing & romantic for a reason.” Can you tell I just catch on to things so fast?!
If you’re looking for some relaxing & romantic background music, Mr. Stevens’ collection seems like it would help fill that need very nicely, but don’t expect riveting and thrilling music-not that anyone in their right mind would ever do that! 😉 I think it’s worth mentioning, though, that within each song, it seemed a bit repetitive. I believe it’s more this style, but as I played through the music, the songs seemed to lack strong melodic structure and were more built on chord patterns. This isn’t always bad, but it’s just not a type of music I typically gravitate toward playing-even for background music-because I feel like I end up performing the same song multiple times. I just really like variety in my music! But that’s just my preference.
If you want to get a feel for what the songs from this collection sound like just keep moving down the screen! 🙂 Mr. Stevens also has a website you can check out that has links to his other music (sheet music, pandora station, free improvisation resources, etc): jamesmstevens.com
Don’t forget there’s a giveaway! 3 lucky winners will receive a digital copy of Relaxing & Romantic Piano Vol. II. Just let me know you want to be entered in the comments.
Loraine says
I would love to receive a digital copy of the collection
Dawn says
“There’s a Longing in My Heart for You” is beautiful. I’ve been looking for a collection like this and would be excited to win a copy.
Heidi Neal says
I would love this collection of relaxing music to play at “wind down” time at my house.
Diana says
Looks interesting for background music!
Geri Miller says
Very nice music! It would be great to receive a copy of his collection.
Josette Scicluna says
I always love to play James Michael Steven’s compositions! They truly relax me and I enjoy mostly the romantic style of most of them!
Brenda Slocum says
Oh yes, enter me for a chance of having a digital copy of this music.
Catherine Kling says
Yes, I am interested in receiving a digital copy. Thanks.
Andrea says
Enter me please! Thanks so much for hosting the giveaway and publishing the review!
Lena Purnell says
Digital would be great trying to reduce paper
Valerie says
I’d love to be entered! Thanks!
Alice says
This is beautiful…please enter me in the giveaway! 🙂
Lavinia Livingston says
I have some students for whom this music would be just right. Count me in on the giveaway.
Lavinia
Jeannie says
Would love this music giveaway. Thanks for introducing us to this new music.
Kathy says
I’d love this music!
Brenda P says
Definitely relaxing! I would love to win a digital copy of this music.
Paulette says
This is beautiful. Would be perfect. Thanks
Christie says
I’d love to have this set!
Janelle says
Lovely! Relaxing music is always a nice way to spend time at the piano.
Pat Dolan says
Nice arrangements – would love to own the collection. 🙂
Min Koh says
Wonderful music to be relaxing to after a long day’s work. Hope to win a copy of this! Thank you!