A First Book of American Folk Songs

Young pianists and their teachers will welcome this treasury of favorites in musically attractive and pedagogically sound arrangements for beginners. Bergerac has written exclusively for young pianists since 1967, including original music and many easy arrangements of folk materials. His expert settings explore a full and satisfying piano sound within the natural capabilities of the beginning performer.The songs in this varied collection — arranged in their approximate order of difficulty — are presented in large, clear, easy-to-read musical notation, and are accompanied by delightful illustrations suggested by this charming music. The songs included are Amazing Grace (in two arrangements); I've Been Working on the Railroad; As We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush; Maryland, My Maryland!; Aura Lea; The Old Chisholm Trail; Billy Boy; Polly-Wolly-Doodle; Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair; Pop Goes the Weasel!; Blow the Man Down!; Short'nin' Bread; Blue-Tail Fly (Jimmy Crack Corn); Skip to My Lou; Buffalo Gals; Sweet Betsy from Pike; Deep River; Thanksgiving Prayer; Down by the Riverside (We Gather Together); The Farmer in the Dell; Turkey in the Straw; The Gift to Be Simple; Yankee Doodle Dandy; Go Down, Moses (Let My People Go); and The Yellow Rose of Texas.