Micro Meowings.

Micro Meowings, by Victoria Sabo. Willis Music Company (P.O. Box 548, Florence, KY 41022), 2004. 20 pp. $3.95. Late elementary to early intermediate.

Victoria Sabo has added yet another set of solos to her Micro collection: Micro Meowings. These gems, reminiscent of Joan Last's Cats, but longer and more difficult, are imaginative, descriptive and a delight to any cat lover. Beware, though: this collection of seven progressive solos is not for scaredy cats--or late-elementary students. Beautifully printed with only three and four measures to a system, these pieces are visually deceptive. They contain the many demanding characteristics associated with Sabo's style--her love for intricate articulations and groups of small ornamental notes, sustained notes within the hand, command of the entire keyboard and tricky rhythmic patterns and hand coordinations. Short narratives are provided for each piece to guide both student and teacher.

The first, and one of the easiest of the set, "Chasing a String," is written in the key of C in baroque style, filled with contrapuntal lines, sequences and articulations. A delight to play and hear, it will be a challenge for many students to let their "fingers frolic on the keys with a light touch."

The interest and excitement continues throughout the book, each page offering new demands and personalities. Styles vary widely, ranging from baroque to a lovely impressionistic, whole tone in Astro Cat. Additional keys include D, C and F minor, as well as an "exotic scale" in Blue Point Siamese. Three of the seven pieces are in 6/8 meter. Each piece is as different as the cat it describes.

Sabo composes for the music--for the image she wants to project, and she uses the tools and skills required to create those images. These sophisticated pieces are a refreshing addition to the intermediate repertoire and great pieces for any recital--and for cat lovers needing a little extra motivation. Reviewed by Sue A. Steck-Turner, Lafayette, Louisiana.