Goddess is the companion songbook for the CD of the same name, which is one of my favorite recordings of 2007. Composer David Hicken calls his publishing company “Enchanting Music,” which couldn’t be more appropriate. When I started listening to the CD for review, it captured my attention and imagination in a way that just wouldn’t let go. The pieces are very melodic and flowing, and the melodies are, for the most part, quite simple. I wasn’t sure if my enthusiasm would be as strong after several listens, but it only grew. I was thrilled when I saw that Hicken had published a complete songbook and couldn’t wait to get my own fingers into the music. The afternoon that it came in the mail, I took the book to my piano and played it from cover to cover, completely “enchanted.” The pieces are suitable for intermediate players up, with transcriptions that are clear and very easy to follow. More advanced players will love the beauty of the music and the ease of losing themselves in it. I am looking forward to sharing Goddess with my own students.

The twelve compositions range in length from two to four pages, and most have flowing broken chords in the left hand and simple melody lines on the right. A few pieces have solid chords, but not too many. There is enough rhythmic complexity to keep the pieces interesting for more advanced players without scaring off the intermediate folks (a great teaching opportunity for working on playing triplets against duplets). There are some expression indications, but not many, allowing the player to provide his or her own interpretation. The pieces are so beautiful that it’s very easy for expression to come freely. If you’ve heard the recording and play the piano, this is a must-have book! If you haven’t heard the recording (get it!!!!) but love to play gentle, luscious, melodic pieces, you’ll be hooked on these in no time. Teachers, I can’t imagine that students wouldn’t love this music. David Hicken has been a piano teacher for almost twenty years and really knows his stuff.

Every song in this book is a gem - rare! - and I can’t recommend it more highly. It is available from davidhicken.com.