“Tybee Rhapsody” is a gorgeous and very heartfelt solo piano single by Pam Asberry. Inspired by the book by Leara Rhodes with the same title, the piece is loosely programatic and is in four sections that correlate with themes and events in the book. In very general terms, the book is about a woman who was trying to create a career for herself as a concert pianist in the early 1900s - a very daunting goal at best at that time - or any time, really! Quoting Pam Asberry:

“The opening section reflects Gertrude's optimism as she begins her new life in Savannah and Tybee Island. The second section is more somber, reflecting her concerns and fears for the future, as well as her interactions with the natural world that surrounds her;l isten for wing whistles, dove calls, the whisper of the wind, and the patter of a gentle rain The third section is the fierce gale that hits the island. In the closing section, all is well - and a second voice joins the first.”

Pam Asberry is, herself, a concert pianist, piano teacher, composer and more, and I’m sure she can relate to many of the incidents and difficulties in the book, making this piece even more compelling and personal.

“Tybee Rhapsody” is available to stream and download on Amazon and Apple Music/iTunes and can be streamed on Spotify and Pandora. Sheet music for the piece is also available and reviewed here on MainlyPiano.com. Very highly recommended!