A Dream in Paradise is the companion sheet music book for Tijs Ven’s 2019 debut solo piano album by the same name. All thirteen pieces from the album are included, including the bonus track at the end. The music was inspired by and is based on true events, and “it’s about a dream that became reality.” Most of the pieces are light and upbeat, making it a very pleasant experience to just sit and play through the book. Tijs notes on the introductory page that he intentionally left out dynamics, pedal markings and other kinds of expression indicators so that pianists can add those touches to personalize the music for themselves. Tempo/metronome settings are included. The songbook is available in printed form or PDF download from www.TijsVen.com.

The notation for the scores is well-spaced, roomy and easy to read. There aren’t many chords, and I don’t think there were any reaches of more than an octave. It is mostly single notes on each hand, making it easier to play. Most pianists at an upper-intermediate playing level and above will be able to master these pieces. The only thing that makes some of the pieces more difficult is the number of sharps in the key signature (see below). Three pieces are in E (4 sharps) and two are in B (5 sharps). It is easy enough to mark the sharps if you find those keys difficult.

The song titles, the keys they are in, and the number of pages are:

A Dream in Paradise - Key of E (4 sharps) - 4 pages
Reminiscing Sweetness - Key of E (4 sharps) - 4 pages
Suddenly - Key of B (5 sharps) - 4 pages
Flowers In Her Hair - Key of A (3 sharps) - 5 pages
Serenity - Key of A (3 sharps) - 4 pages
In the Moment - Key of D (2 sharps) - 4 pages
Cosy Together - Key of B (5 sharps) - 3 1/2 pages
Kind Emotions - Key of G (1 sharp) - 4 pages
Wagging Tales - Key of D (2 sharps) - 4 pages
Dear Mama… Thank You! - Key of A (3 sharps) - 4 pages
Wedding Dance - Key of E (4 sharps) - 6 pages
Finally Coming Home - Key of B (5 sharps) - 4 pages
Round and Round… - Key of C minor (3 flats) - 4 pages