“Aurora Borealis” is a Level 4 piano piece by Nancy Faber. The piece is written in D major and 6/8 time, with an Andante expressivo tempo marking. The music has a smooth, glowing character, using flowing broken-note patterns, long left-hand tones, hand-crossing, expressive dynamics, ritardandos, and high final notes. Students should focus on shaping the phrases gently, holding notes to their full value, using the tenuto or stress marks carefully, and creating a floating sound that matches the image of the northern lights.

Measures 1–3 introduce the main flowing pattern. The right hand plays a gentle broken-note figure while the left hand holds long bass notes underneath. The music begins softly, then grows slightly, creating a calm and expressive opening.

Measures 4–6 continue the same musical idea. The right hand moves through smooth repeating patterns, while the left hand sustains long tones. The tenuto or stress marks should be held deeply and fully, helping the music feel grounded underneath the flowing melody.

Measures 7–9 bring a small expressive change. The dynamic moves to mf, then the music slows slightly with poco rit. before returning a tempo. The left hand crosses over in this section, so the student should move carefully and gracefully.

Measures 10–12 return to a softer flowing sound. The right hand continues the broken-note motion, while the left hand supports with long tones. The crescendo helps the phrase grow naturally before the next page.

Measures 13–16 begin the second page with more hand-crossing and a slightly brighter sound. The left hand crosses over while the right hand keeps the smooth pattern moving. Students should keep the motion even and avoid rushing the cross-hand movement.

Measures 17–20 bring the strongest part of the piece. The music begins at f and then moves through mf, with another poco rit. before softening again. This section should sound broad and expressive, but still smooth.

Measures 21–24 return to a quieter character. The right hand continues the flowing melody while the left hand holds long supporting notes. The music should feel calm again after the stronger middle section.

Measures 25 to the end form the closing passage. The right hand rises into a higher register while the left hand sustains the harmony below. The ritardando and very soft pp ending help the final notes fade away gently, like distant lights in the sky.

Interesting fact: The score explains that the aurora borealis is a vivid natural light display seen in Arctic and Antarctic skies. It also notes that the name comes from Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, and Boreas, the Greek name for the north wind.