Chris Baxter, Piano Professional magazine, January 2023 "...in this new book by John Pitts, we find a novel and very practical approach to unravelling and understanding this intricate and seemingly impenetrable world. ...Although there are many descriptive textbooks and articles on Javanese Gamelan music, and pieces which are inspired by it and seek to evoke… Continue reading New review of “Extreme Heterophony” in Piano Professional
New book: SAKURA Three Koto Transcriptions for solo piano
Published 28 December 2022 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BR83LQKK www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BR83LQKK A collection of piano adaptations of three beautiful compositions for the 13-string Japanese koto by eminent 20th-century composers Chikushi Katsuko, Kimio Eto and Tadao Sawai, each based on the traditional folksong melody “Sakura” (Cherry Blossom). This collection of piano adaptations of three compositions for Japanese koto is intended to provide interested pianists (and… Continue reading New book: SAKURA Three Koto Transcriptions for solo piano
Cross-Eyed Pianist review of “Extreme Heterophony: a study in Javanese Gamelan for one or more pianists”
https://crosseyedpianist.com/2022/01/21/javanese-gamelan-for-one-or-more-pianists/ New review of my new book! "carefully-researched and clearly presented"..."This detailed, well-researched handbook is a fascinating introduction to the alluring soundworld of Javanese gamelan." Frances Wilson (Cross-Eyed Pianist)
Extreme Heterophony: a study in Javanese Gamelan for one or more pianists
NOW PUBLISHED (Advent 2021) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MBR4WNL Paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MSJHST5 Kindle https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MBR4WNL Paperback https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09MSJHST5 Kindle (Also available from Lulu)BRAND NEW 130-page book for inquisitive pianists—either solo or in duets/duos/triet or multiple piano ensembles—to discover, step into, and explore Karawitan—music for gamelan orchestra from the Indonesian island of Java—what it is, how it works, and how to begin to… Continue reading Extreme Heterophony: a study in Javanese Gamelan for one or more pianists
Five stars review from John Carpenter, WAIF Radio
New review just in (of the most recent edition of How to Play Indian Sitar Rāgas on a Piano) - by John Carpenter, WAIF Radio, and Administrator of the Advanced Piano Performer's Forum: Many of us have heard raga music played on the sitar, but how can we play it on the piano? John Pitts,… Continue reading Five stars review from John Carpenter, WAIF Radio
A video tour of the 2nd edition of “How to play Indian Sitar Rāgas on a Piano”
https://youtu.be/fz-hzmLQHLg A short look through the newly published 2nd edition of my book "How to play Indian Sitar Rāgas on a Piano".
2nd edition now published! July 2020
I'm delighted to announce that the 2nd edition of How to Play Indian Sitar Rāgas on a Piano (July 2020) is now available. It is available as a coil-bound paperback (268 pages, 21x1.5x29.7cm) from Lulu, or as a digital download from SheetMusicPlus , or as a digital download with studio licence from pianoraag.wordpress.com/shop or as a perfect-bound… Continue reading 2nd edition now published! July 2020
Piano Triets
https://pianoraag.wordpress.com/piano-triets-resources - information originally published on the Severnside Composers Alliance website.
New book! Rāga Jogiya Kalingra “Aroma of Saffron” (Christmas 2019)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1650187777 Published Christmas 2019 The word rāga literally means ‘to colour’, and from that also ‘to induce passion’ or ‘emotion’. The musical term rāga refers to a performance, within the melodic and structural conventions of Indian classical music, that evokes a particular emotion. Rāga Jogiya Kalingra “Aroma of Saffron” evokes a mood of wonder: It… Continue reading New book! Rāga Jogiya Kalingra “Aroma of Saffron” (Christmas 2019)
Bollywood piano music
I am asked every so often if I have any Indian pop music for piano. I usually say no. But finally I thought I'd do one, through SMP's arrangement scheme, and it's been fun. So, here is my new piano arrangement of hit Bollywood song https://youtu.be/C7DGBbc5Hhg Kisi Se Pyar Ho Jaye - available to buy exclusively… Continue reading Bollywood piano music