“Song of Kilimanjaro” is a Level 3A piano piece by Nancy Faber. The piece is written in D major and common time, beginning with the marking With grandeur. The music is meant to suggest the majesty of Mount Kilimanjaro through strong open intervals, broad phrases, dramatic dynamic changes, and a contrasting middle section with more motion. Students should focus on a full tone, graceful wrist motion, steady rhythm, and careful contrast between the grand outer sections and the quieter moving middle section.

Measures 1–4 introduce the majestic opening. The hands play strong open-sounding harmonies, followed by a softer right-hand phrase above long left-hand tones. The forte chords should use arm weight, while the softer phrase should sound smooth and lifted.

Measures 5–8 continue the same grand character. The left hand supports with strong low tones, while the right hand answers with a singing phrase. The dynamic changes from f to mp, so students should clearly show the difference between the strong mountain-like chords and the gentler melodic response.

Measures 9–16 build the first large section. The music grows through mf and f dynamics, then settles into a softer phrase before the page ends. The student should keep the rhythm steady and listen for the broad, spacious sound created by the open intervals.

Measures 17–24 begin the contrasting middle section, marked More motion. The tempo becomes faster, and the right hand plays flowing patterns while the left hand holds long supporting notes. This section should feel lighter and more active, like movement across a wide landscape.

Measures 25–32 continue the flowing middle section. The right hand moves through repeated broken patterns, while the left hand gives long tones underneath. The dynamics soften to mp, then pp, and the ritardando helps the music slow down before the return of the opening grandeur.

Measures 33–40 bring back the opening style at Tempo I. The strong chords and broad melody return, giving the piece a rounded A-B-A shape. Students should make this return sound powerful and familiar, but still controlled.

Measures 41–48 form the final closing section. The music builds again with fuller chords, a ritardando, and a final accented ending. The last high 8va note should sound bright and triumphant, like a final view of the mountain peak.

Interesting fact: Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa, with Kibo rising to 19,340 feet, or 5,895 meters. The piece reflects this idea musically through a grand opening, open fifth-like sonorities, and a broad return at the end that suggests the mountain’s size and majesty.