The most beautiful experience we can have is the Mysterious. Albert Einstein*

I admit it – I love “dark” music. The more minor, the better!

When taught the difference between major and minor, we’re always told that minor sounds sad. But does the classic James Bond theme (in E minor) sound sad? Or the soundtrack to Pirates of the Caribbean (D minor)? Exciting, cool, bursting with energy – anything but sad! Minor can be sad – but it can also be angry or introspective or mysterious.

So that’s what we have here: 28 dark and mysterious pieces in minor keys – made even more mysterious by their Latin titles! From the chants of medieval monks to the magic spells learned at Hogwarts, Latin has many mysterious associations, which make the titles in this book seem most appropriate! Translations for all the titles will be found at the foot of the page, along with occasional “word pictures” – brief sketches based on actual experiences which might help to conjure a mood, a situation, a picture in the mind of the pianist.

Almost all of these pieces can be played by small hands. As a piano teacher, I have frequently encountered pupils, including adults, who have difficulty playing octaves; therefore few octaves will be found in these pieces. Runs and big chords are also avoided except in Arabia incognita (No. 27). As in 21 Amazingly Easy Pieces (EB 8774), my aim is always to write as simply as possible, allowing the player to concentrate more on expression.

The witty Latin titles were created by the classical philologists Ludger Arens and Justus Finkel. Maximas gratias ago!

I hope that you will enjoy creating a mysterious atmosphere with the help of these pieces!

Dettelbach, Spring 2015 Barbara Arens