Published in 2017 to celebrate the centennial of William Gillock's birth, the Recital Collection is a definitive anthology published by Willis Music (now distributed by Hal Leonard). This collection was "freshly engraved and edited" for the occasion, meaning the sheet music is presented in a modern, clean, and highly readable format. In response to popular demand, from 2021 onwards, the physical book has been produced with a comb binding, ensuring the pages lay completely flat on the music stand. The book contains roughly 160-164 pages, making it a substantial volume that serves as a complete library of Gillock's finest works.
The is an extensive 164-page compilation of over 50 of the most frequently performed piano solos by American composer William Gillock. Released to celebrate his centennial year (1917–2017), the collection spans diverse musical styles including classical, jazz, and popular traditions. Quick Overview Skill Level : Intermediate to Advanced.
While the convenience of a PDF is tempting, remember that William Gillock’s works are protected by copyright. Supporting the publishers ensures that these beautiful arrangements stay in print for future generations of musicians. Most teachers recommend purchasing the physical series or the Recital Collection
If you only need two pieces for one student, do not buy the whole book. Buy the PDF of the single piece. Sites like allow you to buy legal, printable PDFs of "Valse Etude" or "The Glass Slipper" individually.
When you play Valse Etude from a clean, legal score, you honor the lyricism of William Gillock. And that honesty will resonate through your fingers.
Like Franz Schubert, Gillock could write simple melodies that evoke deep emotional responses. Even a beginner piece using only five-finger patterns feels like a mature masterpiece rather than a dry exercise. 2. Stylistic Diversity
While Hal Leonard has kept many Gillock titles in print, specific editions of the Recital Collection occasionally go out of stock for months. Teachers need immediate access to a specific piece ("Mister Trumpet Man" for a Mardi Gras recital) and turn to digital scans out of desperation.
– Check your local music library or university library. Some public libraries offer free access to digital sheet music collections.
From the jazz-inspired rhythms of "New Orleans Nightfall" to the Romantic sweeping gestures of "Etude in A Major," Gillock’s pieces cover a vast range of musical periods. This allows a student to demonstrate versatility in a single recital set. 2. "Audience Pleasers"
– Used copies are often available on eBay or AbeBooks.