Piano Forum
Piano Board => Repertoire => Topic started by: bernhard on February 18, 2005, 04:56:39 PM
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Having come across this thread,
https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/board,2/topic,7005.3.html#msg69616
I found a comment by Bartolomeo (with which I wholeheartedly agree):
There is plenty of beautiful music that isn't hard to play.
Any suggestions?
Here is what would be helpful (if possible):
1. The complete reference for the piece (name, opus, publisher).
2. A brief description and the level of difficulty (one may use grades, or simply- “elementary”, “intermediate” “advanced”).
3. Advanced does not really mean advanced, but something that most people should be able to tackle after 2 – 3 years of serious study, e.g Mendelssohn’s songs without words, Debussy’s Arabesque, Bach easiest preludes and fugues.
4. If recordings (or midis) are available, please list them.
5. If free scores are available, please direct us to them.
6. Repertory that is not battered to death (e.g. Fur Elise) should be give preference.
Here is a starting:
Elementary:
Alan Hovhaness – “Sleeping Cat” – Hauntingly beautiful piece – extremely easy (grade 1 ABRSM) with great scope for musicality. There is a recording of it on the ABRSM grade 1 pieces CD. It is one of the pieces of the album “Sketchbook of Mr. Purple Poverty” op. 309, which I recommend you get since the other pieces in it are also of superior quality. Alternatively you can get the “Select grade 1 exam pieces 2005 – 2006” from the ABRSM.
Here is the ABRSM site for more details:
https://www.abrsmpub.co.uk/
Intermediate:
Georg Benda – Sonatina in A minor (no. 3 on the collection of 12 sonatinas – Easier piano pieces no. 47 – ABRSM) – Grade 4. Exhilarating and athletic piece with fast arpeggios divided between the hands and hand crossings on the second part. This is a one-movement sonatina (only 49 bars long) that sounds much more difficult than it actually is. The only recording I know of it (may be out of print) is the ABRSM grade 4 exam pieces 2001-2002 CD.
Advanced:
Ottorino Respighi – “Notturno”(Grade 7/8) – Wonderful, lyrical piece, much closer to Grieg’s “Notturno” in form and feeling than to Chopin’s or Field’s. My own copy is from “Respighi piano works – ed. by Takahiro Seki (Zen-on Piano Library). It has been recorded by Konstantin Scherbakov for Naxos.
You can hear a sample of it here:
https://www.naxos.com/mainsite/default.asp?pn=SContentQuery&itemcode=&disctitle=&works=&Composer=Respighi&Artist=
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Great idea for a thread!
I'll try to post something every day.
Advanced: Schumann Arabesque - Opus 18.
https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net/dlpage_new.cfm?composition_id=682
Beautiful haunting melody with 16th note acompanying figure split between the hands, somewhat like some of Mendelsohnn's SWWs.
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The Schubert waltzes and Landler are pretty and generally very simple, and more advanced pianists can use them as sightreading (and analyzing) practice.
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Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons" op. 37 is a collection of 12 pieces, one for each month. I guess it's about an advanced level. I especially like 'June - Barcarolle,' very lyrical, it reminds me of the ocean. You can hear clips of the 12 pieces here:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000026CZJ/qid=1108756997/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/102-0611981-0440912
I'll be back with more (hopefully) when I finish going through my stashes of abandoned music.
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I have a soft spot for Lecuona's Cordoba and Alhambra. So beautiful, particularly the middle section of Alhambra. Faure's Barcarolles and Nocturnes are quite beautiful as well, and not heard very often. Will post more details/references when I have time.
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Beethoven's Bagatelles op.119
Some late Beethoven for those of us who would butcher the sonatas if we tried them. I've only heard/played 6 and 11, but I'd bet that the other ones are of the same quality. In terms of difficulty, I'd say that they are near a Für Elise level.
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i think the idea of 'children's pieces' written by great composers is great.
bartok, tchaikovsky, schumann- some easy and very beautiful music right there
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On specific pieces...around the late beginner to early intermediate/intermediate level . And following Bernhard's format:
1/ Schumann
Album for the Young: no 30 ***. I have this is a Henle. I am sure it would be published in a cheaper version. Available free on the internet at https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net
I love this piece, its is so beautiful. I taught this to a student (gr 5) and then just had to learn it for myself!! I have never heard thought of this piece as being battered to death.
I have an Angela Brownridge recording, its not bad...
2/ Heller
Melodious Etudes: I'll just list my favourites (but they are all pretty good)....op 47 3,10, 15,21, 23 : op 46 4, 7, 11. There are plenty of goodies from op 125 and 45 too, if i get around to it i'll post some favourites. I have these in Kalmus editions, again I am sure they are available from other publishers.
I do not know of any recordings of these..if you have time would you care to enlighten me on this Bernhard???!!!
I don't know if they are available free anywhere
Pieces around the late intermediate to advanced level
3/ Debussy
Prelude from Suite Bergamesque: Ok the Clair de Lune is a much hackneyed work, but the Prelude is seriously underplayed and (IMHO) is much better. This is so beautiful!! I also have this in a Henle, again I am sure it is available in a cheaper version. Available free on the internet at https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net
I have it recorded by Gieseking and Arrau, I honestly prefer the Arrau for the Prelude (his Clair de Lune is far too slow for my tastes but the Prelude is (IMHO) excellent)
4/ Benjamin Britten
Ok, I love Britten's piano piece so here is an incredibly biased opinion
Notturno (Night Piece) (1963): Boosey and Hawkes (beautiful and haunting)
Three Character Pieces (1930): Boosey and Hawkes (range from the fast and fun Michael to the beautiful Daphne)
Holiday Diary (op 5 1934): Boosey and Hawkes
Seminal recording is Stephen Hough on EMI Classics.
I am sure there are plenty more, ill post some when I have time...
Thanks for this post Bernhard....an excellent idea. I can't wait to hear others suggestions!!!
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Franz Liszt - the three Consolations. My teacher chose these for me to play as an introduction to the music of Liszt which is not "finger-breaking" (her words).
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"Heliotrope Bouquet", the beautiful little collaboration of Joplin with Louis Chauvin.
Any comprehensive volume of Joplin, e.g. Dover will have it.
Difficulty - intermediate.
Dozens of recordings, e.g. Bolcom, Arpin, Neilsen, many others - also occurs in many CD compilations.
Copyright 1907, Stark Music - now public domain, I think.
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"Rosemary" by Frank Bridge
Title: Three sketches : piano solo [music] / Frank Bridge.
Publisher: London : Boosey & Hawkes, c1915.
Description: 15 p. ; 32 cm.
Contents: April -- Rosemary -- Valse capricieuse.
Notes: S.2678 Boosey & Hawkes.
Cover title.
Pl. no.: S 2678.
Recording - Peter Jacobs, Continuum CCD 1019
Difficulty - intermediate.
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Oh, I almost forgot - a gem - "Chandelier Rag" by Hal Isbitz.
Hal publishes his own music and it can be purchased from places such as Ragtime Express on the web in the volume "Twelve Piano Rags by Hal Isbitz"
It is recorded by Scott Kirby on the "Terra Verde" CD
Difficulty - intermediate physically, advanced harmonically and rhythmically.
It isn't really a rag at all but stands unique in its own form.
https://www.ragtime.nu/isbitz.htm
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"Lake Street" or indeed, any of the formal pieces of Reginald Robinson.
He publishes his own music but it can also be bought through the above mentioned source.
Difficulty - intermediate
He was a recent recipient of a US$500,000 genius grant, which fact I'm very pleased about because I've been telling people for years he was special.
See:
https://www.macfdn.org/programs/fel/fellows/robinson_reginald.htm
Recording - Reginald Robinson - "Shades In Silhouette" CD.
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Most of my own early stuff, of which there exist many dozens, falls into the "not so hard" category. "Beautiful" is, of course, subjective.
https://www.pianoworld.com/cdproject/SearchNames3.php
Try the test mp3s under my name.
Anybody can have scans of my scores free. It isn't that I want to promote my music, heaven forbid, but it just might convince my wife I'm not selfish !
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Any suggestions?
I am learning Debussy's Album Leaf. Thats very beautiful and is his easiest piece - grade 4 - ish.
I found the music in this book:
The Great Piano Works Of Claude Debussy, published by IMP
https://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/029871/details.html
Which also includes advice on playing each piece and a CD.
goldfish
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I've thought of a couple more
Frank Bridge
9 Miniature Pastorales- Intermediate Level
Thames Publishing
I am not sure if these are recorded
All are nice miniatures but I particularly like no 8. It is also a good teaching piece for teaching students to go from playing triplets to quavers to semiquavers. It also sounds very impressive!
Carl Vine
Semplice from- Red Blues- Late Beginner early intermediate
Faber
Again, not sure if this has been recorded.
Beautiful piece with 7/8 and 8/8 time, good contemporary work, with a 2-part texture.
Keep the suggestions coming..!!! BTW Bernhard, I love that Respighi Nocturne
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On specific pieces...around the late beginner to early intermediate/intermediate level . And following Bernhard's format:
1/ Schumann
Album for the Young: no 30 ***. I have this is a Henle. I am sure it would be published in a cheaper version. Available free on the internet at https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net
I love this piece, its is so beautiful. I taught this to a student (gr 5) and then just had to learn it for myself!!
Wow thanks for posting this suggestion. I've just listened to the piece and can't believe I'd overlooked it before. I'll start on it tomorrow ;D
goldfish
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Beethoven's Bagatelles op.119
Some late Beethoven for those of us who would butcher the sonatas if we tried them. I've only heard/played 6 and 11, but I'd bet that the other ones are of the same quality. In terms of difficulty, I'd say that they are near a Für Elise level.
I would agree with this.
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Wow thanks for posting this suggestion. I've just listened to the piece and can't believe I'd overlooked it before. I'll start on it tomorrow ;D
goldfish
My pleasure, I can't believe I overlooked it for as long as I did....I am glad its not just me....ENJOY!!!!
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1/ Schumann
Album for the Young: no 30 ***. I have this is a Henle. I am sure it would be published in a cheaper version. Available free on the internet at https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net
This is amazing and really is simple to play, I think.
I searched Hi and low for a midi file last night and could not find any.
Anyone have one I could download.
Does not have to be complete or have a great sound, just want to make sure I am playing this thing right.
On a side note, Schumann's Album for the Young comes up often in discussions. Anyone that knows of a good CD edition, that would also be helpful.
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This is amazing and really is simple to play, I think.
I searched Hi and low for a midi file last night and could not find any.
Anyone have one I could download.
Does not have to be complete or have a great sound, just want to make sure I am playing this thing right.
On a side note, Schumann's Album for the Young comes up often in discussions. Anyone that knows of a good CD edition, that would also be helpful.
I have this one:
https://www.hyperion-records.com/details/55039.asp
and I'm very happy with it. Wish I could play no.30 as well as the pianist on the CD.
I think the difficulty in finding midis for more than about a handfull of these pieces was what prompted me to get the CD.
goldfish
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Grieg, To the Spring: breathtaking, I love it. I would say intermediate level
Alexina Louie, Distant Memories: A stunning introduction to modern music, not too long. Intermediate level as well. (I believe both songs are on the Gr.9 RCM)
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chopin nocturnes
un sospiro
liszt consolations
any minimalist stuff you can find
and the Xenakis Herma. a romantic and moving piece if i've ever heard one.
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Skeptopotamus, are you sure about Un Sospiro? It is a Lizst Etude after all.
Tango 3 (Argentine) by Seiber from Easy Dances Volume 1(Schott Music) or ABRSM 2003-4 Grade 3 book.
Very impressive for a grade 3 piece. It made my brother who almost never practiced sound good. A nice march-like tango. It starts fast and energetically and then changes key in the middle to become romantic and stately. You can hear a rough recording at red crocodile by some beginner who recorded his playing. https://www.redcrocodile.net/etcs/piano.php
Tango by Albeniz. ABRSM rates it grade 6 so I'd guess it would be sort of Intermediate to Advanced. It's a great classy piece that sounds wondeful even though its technical demands are minimal. Except for the pedaling. I lost marks for pedaling in an exam. :-[ ;D
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un sospiro is easier than liebestraume no. 3 i think.
ps dont go looking for the Xenakis that was a joke.
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chopin nocturnes
Most nocturnes are pretty hard, and don't fit in the "not hard to play" category I think.
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I'd guess these are intermediate, but I never really know how to classify these things being mostly self-taught. Many of the Scriabin preludes are, if not easy to play, at least very brief and less daunting to tackle than longer works. Here are three that I play and have recorded, plus one of the Pictures at an Exhibition movements, in the same difficulty range I think:
Scriabin: Prelude Opus 16 No. 1
Scriabin: Prelude Opus 11 No. 10
Scriabin: Prelude Opus 11 No. 5
Moussorgsky: Pictures: Ill Vecchio Castillo
MP3s are available on my media page:
https://www.media.cjquinn.com
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What, nobody has mentioned the easier Satie pieces yet (Gymnopedies, Gnossiennes)? Too popular?
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1/ Schumann
Album for the Young: no 30 ***. I have this is a Henle. I am sure it would be published in a cheaper version. Available free on the internet at https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net
I love this piece, its is so beautiful. I taught this to a student (gr 5) and then just had to learn it for myself!! I have never heard thought of this piece as being battered to death.
I have an Angela Brownridge recording, its not bad...
Just saw her recital last night. She played Beethoven (Appasisionata), 2 Chopin ballades and a composer I did not know: Leighton.
I have this CD too, but I also like Michael Endres and Andreas Bach.
2/ Heller
Melodious Etudes: I'll just list my favourites (but they are all pretty good)....op 47 3,10, 15,21, 23 : op 46 4, 7, 11. There are plenty of goodies from op 125 and 45 too, if i get around to it i'll post some favourites. I have these in Kalmus editions, again I am sure they are available from other publishers.
I do not know of any recordings of these..if you have time would you care to enlighten me on this Bernhard???!!!
Yes, I would be interested too. To my knowledge they have never been recorded. However now it has become fashinable to sell socres with an accompanying CD, so I would not be surprised if someone like Alfred had a recent edition fo the studies with and accompanying CD.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Some excellent suggestions! :D
Ted: Great stuff :D! how can we get the scores?
Here are a few more:
Elementary:
Amy Beach – “Pierrot and Pierrette” – From Children’s Carnival, op.
A delightful little waltz that sounds much more difficult than it actually is. Amy Beach had a true gift for melody and this is totally tonal without being derivative.
My copy is published by Alfred.
Sahan Arzruni has recorded it for New World Records.
Intermediate:
Gabriel Fauré – Romance sans paroles op. 17 no 3. – Beautiful melody over an arpeggiated accompaniment. The other 2 pieces in this set (nos. 1 and 2) are also worthwhile pieces (no. 1 slightly more difficult than no. 3 and no. 2 much more difficult than both).
You can get the sheet music (free) here:
https://www.sheetmusicarchive.net/single_listing.cfm?composer_id=38
Pascal Rogé recorded it for Decca.
And since xvimbi mentioned it, Erik Satie – Gnossienne no. 4. The easiest (and arguably the most beautiful) of the six.
There are several recordings, I like Pascal Rogé’s (Decca)
Advanced:
Emanuel Chabrier – “Idylle” from “Pièces Pitoresques”. Arguably the most beautiful of the set, it has a hypnotic repeated notes-pattern accompaniment and a delicate highly evocative melodic motif.
My copy of the score is published by International Music Company.
I have recordings by both Alain Planès (Harmonia Mundi) and Naida Cole (Decca), but Naida is far prettier in the cover. :D
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Just saw her recital last night. She played Beethoven (Appasisionata), 2 Chopin ballades and a composer I did not know: Leighton.
Bernhard,
I think the composer is probably the late British composer Kenneth Leighton (he died in 1988).
If you would like to know some more information about him you can go to this website:
www.music.ed.ac.uk/composition/composers/leighton/
To be frank, I don't particularly like his piano music. I have occassionally used, for teaching, some pieces from Pieces for Angela op47 and I have taught his Sonatina n1 but I am not fond of it. His works may have been better in the hands of Angela Brownridge....!!!
I started to play his Fantasie Contrapuntista, this is a relatively big work, quite difficult, but I didn't like it enough to persist.
TCL and the ABRSM have used his pieces as exam works, to the best of my memory.
I hope you enjoyed the concert
cheers
dmk
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Intermediate / Advanced: Medtner's "Alla Reminiscenza"
I didn't know whether to say intermediate or advanced, because the contrasting rhythms might be hard to pick up on at first, but, once you get them down, it's really a very simple piece to play.
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Bernhard,
I think the composer is probably the late British composer Kenneth Leighton (he died in 1988).
If you would like to know some more information about him you can go to this website:
www.music.ed.ac.uk/composition/composers/leighton/
To be frank, I don't particularly like his piano music. I have occassionally used, for teaching, some pieces from Pieces for Angela op47 and I have taught his Sonatina n1 but I am not fond of it. His works may have been better in the hands of Angela Brownridge....!!!
I started to play his Fantasie Contrapuntista, this is a relatively big work, quite difficult, but I didn't like it enough to persist.
TCL and the ABRSM have used his pieces as exam works, to the best of my memory.
I hope you enjoyed the concert
cheers
dmk
Yes, Kenneth Leighton indeed. This sort of music is not my favourite either. It sounds pretty random to me and it would not be out of place as a movie soundtrack. She played a study and his Sonata no. 2. I think she played it very well - I was not bowled over by her Beethoven or her Chopin. She played Gershwin as an encore, and that was excellent. (She also played "Spring" by Grieg as a second encore, and that reinforced my impression that she is more at home with the modern repertory).
It was a very small audience (perhaps 50 people), so the theater was more than half empty which always makes me sad and very reluctant to criticise any pianist in any way. They deserve our best feelings. In fact the audience was quite enthusiastic - she came back for two encores - and I think the audience would have liked another one.
Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed her recital (I have both her CDs of Gershwin and of Schumann's Album for the young - I always admire pianists who will record pieces that are not "virtuoso" pieces - which I think are very good). She has just launched the complete solo piano works of Leighton in a 3 CD set.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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There is a rondo named "Tambourin", whose composer is Jean Louis DAQUIN.
It is a very easy and nice barroque piece (the LH play all the piece the same chord). The fact that i can play it speaks about its difficulty ;D ;D
PD: is this what is called a grade 1 piece?
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There is a rondo named "Tambourin", whose composer is Jean Louis DAQUIN.
It is a very easy and nice barroque piece (the LH play all the piece the same chord). The fact that i can play it speaks about its difficulty ;D ;D
PD: is this what is called a grade 1 piece?
Yes. This would be a grade 1 (or 2 - depends who is grading it ;)) piece.
A few more:
Elementary: Mona Rejino – “Nocturne” – Hauntingly beautiful piece of around grade 2/3 level, but so well written that it sounds far more difficult than it actually is. This is published by Hal Leonard as part of a collection of pieces by Rejino: “Portraits in style – Six character pieces for piano solo”. The other pieces in the album are also excellent, but the Nocturne is my favourite. I don’t think there is a CD of it.
Intermediate: Alexander Ilynsky – “Berceuse”. Beautiful melody over a “rocking like” accompaniment. Soothing and restful as a berceuse should be. My copy is part of a collection called “The hundred best short classics (book 4 – Paterson’s publications).
There is a CD called “La Nuit”(Joaquin Achucarro-piano, label: Ensayo) that includes this piece.
Advanced: Mendelssohn – “Capriccio in A minor, op. 33 no.1”. An Adagio section in long arpeggions that cover the whole keyboard is followed by a hair-raisign presto. Great piece, beautiful and virtuosic (but much easier than it actually sounds), rarely played. I have a recording of it by Martin Jones (“Mendelssohn complete piano solo works” – Nimbus).
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Two pieces that are *very* simple, and in my opinion very beautiful, are:
Gounod's "Ave Maria"
"Forget-Me-Not," Heinrich Lichner, op. 160-6
(my first post to this forum, thanks for reading! :)
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Satie's third Gymnopedie is just the most gorgeous piece ever. The first time I heard it I had it on repeat for hours. And I still can't get bored with it! I much prefer it to the first.
Jas
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Humoresque, from Antonin Dvorak
Really beautiful, well known, but not so played as Fur Elise....
About level 6. It is worth learning.
Brahms intermezzo in A major, Op. 118 nº 2
wonderful, moving, very romantic. Makes cry . Girls love this one.
About level 7. Difficult to interpret. Pedalling, upper notes, etc.
For dvorak and brahms you have midi and sheets at classicalarchives and sheetmusicarchive.
Chariots of Fire!! The score from Vangelis. People love this one. About level 5/6.
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"Forget-Me-Not," Heinrich Lichner, op. 160-6
Any details? (Publisher, where to get the score, etc.) ;)
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Oops, sorry for that omission. The Lichner piece I got from a book published by the Japanese publishing company, Doremi Music Publishing Company Ltd. The book is one of a series: "110 Famous Piano Collections" which breaks the 110 pieces up into 3 books in order of difficulty, and this piece is at the beginning of book one. All the pieces in the series are in their original arrangements, and the series includes many many standard pieces, so I had thought maybe this was a well-known piece, perhaps I'm wrong. For reference, the first book starts with Lichner and some easy Bach, includes some Handel and Schumann and many others and ends with Gounod's Ave Maria, some Beethoven (including Fur Elise) and Mozart's "Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman" So that's the level of it. You can buy a CD with all of the songs, so it's an excellent resource.
Actually, I always thought Doremi was a Japanese publishing company, but maybe it's not, maybe this is just the Japanese division? Anyone know?
Bernhard, I often read your posts (thank you for all your great info!!) so I would love to know what you think of this piece. I wonder if you can find it somewhere.
It's in 6/8 time, starts out in Dm, switches to Bb major in the middle and then goes back to Dminor again....
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Oops, sorry for that omission. The Lichner piece I got from a book published by the Japanese publishing company, Doremi Music Publishing Company Ltd. The book is one of a series: "110 Famous Piano Collections" which breaks the 110 pieces up into 3 books in order of difficulty, and this piece is at the beginning of book one. All the pieces in the series are in their original arrangements, and the series includes many many standard pieces, so I had thought maybe this was a well-known piece, perhaps I'm wrong. For reference, the first book starts with Lichner and some easy Bach, includes some Handel and Schumann and many others and ends with Gounod's Ave Maria, some Beethoven (including Fur Elise) and Mozart's "Ah! Vous dirai-je, Maman" So that's the level of it. You can buy a CD with all of the songs, so it's an excellent resource.
Actually, I always thought Doremi was a Japanese publishing company, but maybe it's not, maybe this is just the Japanese division? Anyone know?
Bernhard, I often read your posts (thank you for all your great info!!) so I would love to know what you think of this piece. I wonder if you can find it somewhere.
It's in 6/8 time, starts out in Dm, switches to Bb major in the middle and then goes back to Dminor again....
Thanks for the details :D. I love these obscure composers (and by the look of it, he composed a lot! Op. 160!) I will check it out.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Actually, I always thought Doremi was a Japanese publishing company, but maybe it's not, maybe this is just the Japanese division? Anyone know?
It should be a Japanese company, because it publishes many video game music scores arranged for easy piano.
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The Beginning of etude 10:3 (first page) of chopin is beautiful but not
so hard to play either.. then again you want to play an entire piece
so i would go for some intermezzos brahms composed
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Just bringing this thread to the top again (we don’t want it to fossilise, do we? ;))
Elementary:
Howard Skempton – “Saltaire melody” – (Oxford University press), a CD (“Well, well Cornelius”) of Skempton pieces played by John Tylbury is available from Sony (it includes Saltaire). Skempton is a contemporary composer who writes tonal, minimalist music. Most of his pieces are excellent (very evocative and atmospheric) yet very, very simple. The score can be a bit difficult to read (no key signatures, lots of accidentals, usually no bar lines, etc.). Saltaire melody is my favourite (about grade 1/2), but other worthwhile pieces in the album are “One for Molly”, “Trace” “Well, Well Cornelius”, “Campanella 3”, “Air” and “Passing fancy”. All of this pieces are technically elementary (grades 1 – 2), but may require mature musicality to be effective.
Intermediate:
Adolf Jensen – “Longing” –op. 8 no. 5 – A nocturne with a beautiful melody and unusual harmonies. My copy is from a collection of graded pieces called “Hours with the masters – vol. 4 (ed. Dorothy Bradley – Bosworth)
Advanced:
Mendelssohn: “Song Without Words no. 7” op. 30 no.1 – One of my favourites (amongst my top five). There is something dark and intense about it which is not usual amongst the SWW. There are several recordings of it, but I particularly like Ilse von Alpenheim for Phillips (“Complete SWW”).
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Just bringing this thread to the top again (we don’t want it to fossilise, do we? ;))
Good idea Bernhard...I am putting a lot of Australian stuff here...
1/ Elementary
Song with A Sad Ending Arthur Benjamin from Fantasies Book 1: This is a really sweet little piece, I would put it at a later elementary stage.
PUBLISHER: Boosey and Hawkes
RECORDING: The Enchanted Isle: Tamara Cislowska
2/ Intermediate
Valse Triste Alfred Hill: A beauty of a piece, ternary form in A minor. The contrasting section is a nice fast Allegro section.
PUBLISHER:Nicholson's Sydney
RECORDING: The Enchanted Isle: Tamara Cislowska and Retrospect: Larry Sitsky
Lavender Time Lindley Evans: Another beauty of a piece, fast in 12/8 but with a beautiful and lyrical melody not that hard once students get stuck into it.
PUBLISHER: Allan and Co
RECORDING: The Enchanted Isle: Tamara Cislowska
Reflection Kerin Bailey from Six Sketches: Jazzy piece from Contemporary Australian composer. Relatively simple bass line, one spot of 3 against 4 and a quasi-cadenza which students love to play!!
PUBLISHER: I think it may be self published, but it is widely available.
RECORDING: I know there is one but I don't have it myself!!
Scenes from an Imaginary Ballet Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Great set of pieces. I really like the 4th and 5th scenes, very good concert pieces, especially in pairs.
PUBLISHER: my copy is older than me and I have no idea if it is still currently in print...I bought mine second hand and I am sure that others can too.
keep ideas coming :)
Cheers,
dmk
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Elementary:
Robert Fuchs – “Banges Herzelein” (“Sad at Heart”) from Children’s pieces op. 47 no. 5 – A beautiful, melancholic and evocative piece only 16 bars long. Small hands may have difficulty with the arpeggio accompaniment in the left hand, but it is not impossible. Adult beginners could easily learn it in a single lesson. (published by the ABRSM under the “Easier Piano Pieces” series, no. 59: Robert Fuchs – Children’s pieces op. 32 & 47). As far as I know there are no recordings of this piece.
Intermediate:
Benjamin Godard – “Nous n’irons plus au bois” (“We will go no more to the wood”). From “Etudes Enfantines” (“Studies for Children”) op. 149 no. 5. Woderfully expressive piece with many changing moods and an edge of suspense. (Published by the ABRSM under the “Easier Piano Pieces” series, no. 43: Godard – Studies for children op. 149. book I). Jean Martin has recorded them for Naxos/Marco Polo.
Advanced:
Henrique Oswald – “Il Neige!” (“It snows!”). Brazilian composer Oswald, lived most of his life in France, and his music is clearly influenced by the French romantics and impressionists. Today, a completely obscure composer, in his day Oswald was well known: Il Neige was awarded first prize in a composition competition sponsored by Le Figaro in Paris, 1902. Maria Inês Guimarães has recorded it for Naxos/Marco Polo.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Robert Fuchs – “Banges Herzelein” (“Sad at Heart”) from Children’s pieces op. 47 no. 5 – A beautiful, melancholic and evocative piece only 16 bars long. Small hands may have difficulty with the arpeggio accompaniment in the left hand, but it is not impossible. Adult beginners could easily learn it in a single lesson. (published by the ABRSM under the “Easier Piano Pieces” series, no. 59: Robert Fuchs – Children’s pieces op. 32 & 47). As far as I know there are no recordings of this piece.
This piece (here called Timid Little Heart) is in the RCM Grade 3 book, and therefore available from Frederick Harris (they have recordings of all the RCM repertoire books).
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Nobuo Uematsu- "To Zanarkand" Somewhere between Elementary and Intermediate:
Someone who has been playing piano for two or three years shouldn't find it too difficult. This is a short, but VERY expressive and truly beautiful piece. Here are links to a midi
https://www.squaresound.com/midis/ff10/ost/1-02-to_zanarkand02.mid
and free sheet music
https://nc.aftran.com/~ffmirror/mhuang/nu/piano/ff10_zann.zip
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the album “Sketchbook of Mr. Purple Poverty” op. 309, which I recommend you get since the other pieces in it are also of superior quality.
Does anyone know who publishes the opus 309?
By the way, Benda's Sonatina in A minor is included in a collection called "Applause" Book 1, edited by Lynn Freeman Olson, from Alfred.
Also in that book is a refreshing Kuhlau piece, the Allegro Burlesco, Op. 88, No. 3. It's a such a fun change (about the same level of difficulty) from the standard sonatinas, for both student and teacher.
Good thread!
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Sketchbook Of Mr Purple Poverty, op. 309 is published by Tetra (code# - JAX3003140)
I got my copy from Burt&co:
https://www.burtnco.com/
Best wishes,
Bernhard
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The Debussy children's corner pieces. I especially like Dr Gradus ad Parnassum and the Golliwog's Cakewalk, both good fun pieces.
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And yet again...
Thank you, Bernhard!
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hey PianoGuy
Nobuo Uematsu- "To Zanarkand" Somewhere between Elementary and Intermediate:
Someone who has been playing piano for two or three years shouldn't find it too difficult. This is a short, but VERY expressive and truly beautiful piece. Here are links to a midi
thanks for the great and out-of-the-box recommendation! I really like this and after some searching, I also came across Suteki Da Nae (also from FFX and by Nobuo Uematsu) on a great forum here:
https://www.gamingforce.com/forums//forumdisplay.php?f=16
[ Although a Video Game site, there is some good stuff on Classical Music there too :P ) What is nice to see is that youngsters who enjoy the music in the Video Games they play, can combine this with an understanding of music to do their own transcriptions and arrangements. That's one way to motivate youngers to take up a bit of theory ;) ]
I think the VGM genre fits the bill of Beautiful music that is not hard to play, perfectly. I had a fun 1/2 hr playing with To Zanarkand today, and I will have a go at Suteki Da Nae tomorrow.
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I played "To Zanarkand" at a recital a long time ago, and I was surprised at the reaction I got from everyone there. Many people stood during the applause. I recently played Chopin's "Berceuse in Db," op. 57, (which I should also mention on this thread as a beautiful piece, in my opinion, that isn't exceedingly hard to play) and I was surprised when it did not get the same reaction. I think sometimes a piece filled with the simplest beauty impresses an audience more than a complicated piece.
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Teenagers LOVE Zanarkand! Thanks!
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Just bumping this thread, so that it does not fall into obscurity.
Elementary:
Alberto Nepomuceno - “Melodia” (“Melody”) – Brazilian composer Nepomuceno (1864 – 1920) wrote this beautiful piece for his little daughter. Although it is meant to be played with the left hand alone (in which case it is of intermediate difficulty), when shared between the hands it becomes easy enough to be tackled by a complete beginner
Intermediate:
Antonio Carlos Gomes – “Mormorio” (“Murmur) – Gomes (1836 – 1896) spend many years in Italy and in his heyday he achieved great fame as an opera composer. Unfortunately fame eluded him in his late years and he died in poverty, being mostly unknown outside Brazil, where he is regarded as a musical hero on a par with the more widely known Villa-Lobos. This beautiful piece follows a very similar scheme to Chopin’s Etude Op. 25 no. 1 to which it could serve as preparation.
Advanced:
Fausto Zosne (1873 – 906) “Pineapple”- If you like ragtime and syncopated rhythms, this is for you. This is Brazilian Salon music of the end of the 19th century. Surprisingly difficult to get the rhythm right. Great fun! :D
You can listen to all three pieces, as well as get the free scores :D in this site:
https://paginas.terra.com.br/lazer/bvm/scores/melodia_nepomuceno_a.htm
(lots of very interesting music there!)
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Adding some of my favorites. (I'm essentially a beginner pianist and I've greatly loved playing these.)
Catherine Rollin (publishes through Alfred)
Spotlight on Baroque
Spotlight on Classical
Spotlight on Romantic
Spotlight on Impressionism
There is a wealth of beautiful music in this series that sounds harder than it is and is a joy to play. Her Impressionism book, especially, is a gem. It's great to be able to play this style of music at the early intermediate/ intermediate level. Each book features original music composed by Rollin in the style of various periods.
For even easier music, check out her:
"Pathways to Artistry" series Repertoire Books 1 and 2 (there are companion Technique books) These are geared toward the late elementary to early intermediate student. My niece loves her "Tic Toc Musette."
For some showy, dramatic pieces also on the intermediate level there is:
"The New Virtuoso"
Timothy Brown "From Far Away Places" - early intermediate collection of pieces that each have a unique atmosphere or mood.
"Waltz of the Vampires" by Carol Matz
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Just bumping this thread, so that it does not fall into obscurity.
Elementary-
Zita Bruzaite - “Dedication to cloud” This is an atmospheric piece, slightly reminiscent of Debussy. It is quite difficult to find quality elementary repertory for this kind of music, so this is a real find. Zita is a Lithuanian composer, and you can get the score for this piece on this site:
https://www.mic.lt/index2.html
(click on scores on the left, and then use the search feature for Zita Bruzaite.
There are some really interesting pieces on this site, but very few are free. I have not ordered any so far, so I do not know how reliable the posting is. Let us know if you try to order something from this site.
Intermediate – Ludovico Einaudi “Nefeli” (Ricordi). Italian minimalist composer Einaudi, has produced quite a bit of calm and melodic pleasant music. This is excellent stuff for adult beginners who would like to play some pieces that, well, sound like real pieces. Nefeli is in Einaudi’s CD “Eden Roc”.
Advanced – J. S. Bach “Sinfonia no. 11 in G minor”. My favourite amongst the sinfonias, this, lyrical and tranquil piece has an excruciatingly beautiful subject. I just cannot get enough of it. It has been recorded several times (Glenn Gould, Angela Hewitt, Andras Schiff, etc.)
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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intermediate/advanced: Chopin Waltz posthmous in E minor and Fantasie Impromptu opus 66 also Brahm's intermezzo in A major
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A few more :D
Elementary – Felix Swinstead – “In the Bay” – Beautiful atmospheric piece with lush harmonies that imitates the movement of the waves (to my ears at least). Although a beginner’s piece, it sounds far more advanced. My copy is part of a collection: “mOre Romantic pieces for piano” (ABRSM – edited by Lionel Salter).
Intermediate – J. C. F. Bach – “Allegretto in F” – A most delightful piece that is also a very good introduction to post-Baroque ornamentation. Without the ornaments the piece is elementary. As usual with the pieces I have been posting, this one sounds far more advanced and difficult than it actually is (around grade 5). It is no. 6 on this collection: J.C.F. Bach (Musical leisure Hours – ABRSM – Easier piano pieces no. 45 – Edited by Timothy Roberts – Many gems in this superb collection).
Advanced – Max Reger: “ Con moto”. An evocative tone poem (from “Dreaming at the Fireside” Op. 143 – a collection of 12 lyrical pieces of moderate difficulty, most only two pages long). Markus Pawlik has recorded it for Naxos.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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This is amazing and really is simple to play, I think.
I searched Hi and low for a midi file last night and could not find any.
Anyone have one I could download.
Does not have to be complete or have a great sound, just want to make sure I am playing this thing right.
On a side note, Schumann's Album for the Young comes up often in discussions. Anyone that knows of a good CD edition, that would also be helpful.
The CD I have is a Berlin Classics import and the performer is Norman Shetler. It was purchased through Amazon.ca which has "listen to samples". Amazon.com has it also, but with this particular CD does not allow a "listen to samples". I don't know if this is the best CD but I found it helpful learning #28-Erinnerung. The RCM had this in a Grade 8 Repertoire album.
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Hi, The 3 Posthumous Etudes by Chopin (Intermediate)
#2 of the Danzas Argentinas by Alberto Ginastera (Intermediate)
Nocturnes by Satie (Intermediate)
Romance (1848) Liszt (Intermediate)
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There is a brilliant Chopin valse (A Minor) that is grade 6 RCM, that I'm learning right now. I had to do some searching to find the music though. Once I get it recorded I will upload it.
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Alan Hovhaness – “Sleeping Cat” – Hauntingly beautiful piece – extremely easy (grade 1 ABRSM)
Extremely easy sounds appropriate for me but I can unfortunately not find any sample of it whatsoever. Would anyone know where to find a midi, or any kind of recording of it? I guess I should just buy the CD and let myself be surprised, but I would rather get a sense of what it sounds like beforehand (not that I don't trust your good judgement Bernhard... I am very happy to have looked for Scarlatti's K.32 for example!).
Thank you beforehand and best,
Thomas
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Dropping by to add the piece I'm learning right now.
"La Caroline" by C. P. E. Bach
It's dramatic, in a minor key, and sounds more difficult than it is. I have my copy in a book my teacher suggested I buy: EASY CLASSICS TO MODERNS Vol. 17 Edited by Denes Agay. All of the pieces in this book are in their original form. Has anyone else used this? Is it considered a "reputable" book? I could have sworn I read somewhere that the pieces in this book are grade 3 but don't quote me on that. ;)
I adore the piece; it's been a huge practice motivation. It is also available for download (for $2.95) from https://www.musicnotes.com Go to the classical piano section and do a search for La Caroline in the title field and it will come up.
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Friends,
LOVE this thread, but not one to post as I have forgotten much, and must re-direct my repertorie. listings again........Keep these coming...!
John
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Time to give this thread another bump :D.
Elementary – Malcolm Arnold – No. 5 of his “Eight children pieces” – highly melodic, yet contemporary in style and harmony. Sounds far more difficult than it actually is and in spite of the title (“children pieces”) it has definitely grown-up sensibilities. It has been recorded by Benjamin Frith for Decca (“Malcolm Arnold – Complete solo piano music”)
Intermediate – Shostakovitch – “Lullaby” – A beautiful, lyrical piece with a calm part followed by a more nervous section (did the baby wake up?) and a return to the calm first part. My copy is from a collection of pieces originally from ballets and dances, and which Shostakovitch simplified and transcribed for piano : Shostakovitch: “Easy Pieces for the Piano (Schirmer – edited by Joseph Prostakov). This collection has several excellent pieces of intermediate level. Highly recommended. Rimma Bobritskaia recorded several of them (including the Lullaby) for Le Chant du Monde.
Granados: “Dedication” – Martin Jones has recorded it for Nimbus.
Advanced – Max Reger: “Larghetto”. An evocative tone poem (from “Dreaming at the Fireside” Op. 143 – a collection of 12 lyrical pieces of moderate difficulty, most only two pages long). Markus Pawlik has recorded it for Naxos.
Best wishes,
Bernhard.
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Satie: Nocturnes
Bach, W.F., short pieces
Bach, K.P.E., Sonatas and Fantasias
Field, Nocturnes
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Teenagers LOVE Zanarkand! Thanks!
Too true. Everybody likes it, and for a computer game piece, it is beautiful...
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Just thought I'd add a few more of my own recent discoveries from the Baroque era:
Domenico Scarlatti:
Intermediate -
"Sonata in Aria Style" K. 32 L. 423 - very lovely, slightly haunting piece in D minor
"Sonata K. 391; L. 79 - bright, sparkling piece
Both are published in the Alfred "Essential Keyboard Repertoire" Vol. 2" book (can be purchased with or without CD)
Baldasarre Galuppi
Intermediate -
"Sonata in A Major" - wonderful piece in sonata form with interesting modulations and nice room for ornamentation
This is published in Alfred's "The Baroque Spirit" Book 1 and CD
Francis Couperin
Intermediate -
"Carnival Scene" - delightful folksong type piece in C Major with a catch melody. Easy piece to get up to speed for students that might have a hard time playing at fast tempos.
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Godard Etude Melodiques Op. 149, "Gavotte Parisienne".
Technically not that hard, though, musically it is quite hard imo.
Here is a recording of it, really worth to listen!
https://rapidshare.de/files/20426964/06_-_Etudes_melodiques__Op149_-_Gavotte_parisienne.mp3.html
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surprisingly no one mentioned Traumerei
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I dunno there so much beautiful piece here, waooo ;D
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this is definitly a good change from those "hardest, most difficult" threads
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Dropping by to add the piece I'm learning right now.
"La Caroline" by C. P. E. Bach
It's dramatic, in a minor key, and sounds more difficult than it is. I have my copy in a book my teacher suggested I buy: EASY CLASSICS TO MODERNS Vol. 17 Edited by Denes Agay. All of the pieces in this book are in their original form. Has anyone else used this? Is it considered a "reputable" book?
La Caroline is a very famous piece by C.P.E. Bach, and like you say, an excellent piece.
Easy Classics to Modern by Denes Agay is a well known piano book. I used it in college in the 70s. Denes Agay has edited many widely used piano books. The Classics to Modern series has many volumes in it, and he also edited many of the the well known Joy books, e.g. Joy of Baroque, Joy of Modern, Joy of Chopin, etc. etc.
I own many books by Mr. Agay, and I have to say, Easy Classics to Modern, (the red one, there is also a blue one called More Easy Classics to Modern) is my favorite book of the series. Mainly because its ratio of pieces I like vs pieces I don't is so high. There are scores of great miniatures in that book. Play through the book and you'll discover gems all over the place. Of course, I don't like everything in the book, but about a third of the pieces in there are on my favorites list, which is a higher ratio then most compilations.
Some favorites:
Toccatina p. 140 and Prelude p.142 by Kabalevsky. (most of the other Kabalevsky pieces in the book I don't care for.)
3rd Miniature of Bartok, p. 156.
Scherzo, by Hadyn, p. 39
All the other pieces by C.P.E Bach I also like, Allegro, p. 25, Scherzo, p.28, Andante p.30, and Minuet p. 32
Burleske, by Leopold Mozart, p. 22
Little Prelude in F, p.22, and March p. 16, by J.S. Bach
Gavotte and Variation by Handel, p. 18
Trumpet Tune, by Purcell, p. 6
Bourree, p. 8, and Minuet p.9 by Teleman.
Sonatina by Clementi, p. 66, especially 2nd and 3rd movements.
Presto, p. 31, and Rondo p.40 by Mozart.
Gavotte p. 32 by Dandrieu (very easy)
Four Landlers by Schubert p.74
Peasant Song by Mendelssohn, p.81
The Clock, by Kullak p. 85
And Old Romance, by Heller, p. 96
German Song, p.108, by Tchaikovsky
Lullaby p. 60, by Kirnberger
Of course, I also like many other pieces in the book, but those are some of my favorites.
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Wow thanks for resurrecting this thread. Very nice. :)
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......
I own many books by Mr. Agay, and I have to say, Easy Classics to Modern, (the red one, there is also a blue one called More Easy Classics to Modern) is my favorite book of the series. Mainly because its ratio of pieces I like vs pieces I don't is so high. There are scores of great miniatures in that book. Play through the book and you'll discover gems all over the place. Of course, I don't like everything in the book, but about a third of the pieces in there are on my favorites list, which is a higher ratio then most compilations.
.....
hi cjsm,
I have volume 77 of this serie: Classics to Moderns Themes & Variation. I am very interested in the rest of this serie. Is there a site where all volumes are listed?
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Check out the simple, elegant loveliness of the Largo by Alfredo D'Asdia (1871-1949).
You can download the sheets at D'Asdia's great-grandson's site:
https://alfredodasdia.blogspot.com/
remy
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hi cjsm,
I have volume 77 of this serie: Classics to Moderns Themes & Variation. I am very interested in the rest of this serie. Is there a site where all volumes are listed?
Amazon has quite a few, though some are only availabe used. Sheet Music Plus has a small selection. Many of the Classics to Modern series and the Joy books are out of print, since many originally came out in the sixties and seventies. For good deals on them, search ebay songbooks. I got an almost new copy of Easy Classics to Modern, (as well as a like new copy of Classics to Modern, Early Advanced) off ebay, as my old copy was falling apart.
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Musica callada of Mompou
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Federico Mompou's music is definitely worth of mention in this thread. It's minimal, simple, yet always melodic and touching. Canciones y Danzas (No.1-12) well deserve to be given a try. I can recommend Aldo Ciccolini's recording in EMI Classics. My favourites are No.1,5,6,7,8. Sheet Music published by Salabert, also available in Amazon is the Hal-Leonard publishing.
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Try some of Chopin's 24 Preludes. Particularly Nos. 7 (simple), 13(intermidiate) and 15(Intermidiate)
https://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/8/83/IMSLP00485-Chopin_-_Preludes__Op_28.pdf
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Geez, just asking... Is anybody know about any beautiful but easy duet pieces..? ???
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Geez, just asking... Is anybody know about any beautiful but easy duet pieces..? ???
Have a look here:
https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2428.msg20981.html#msg20981
(four hand repertory)
https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,634.msg36632.html#msg36632
(6 hands repertory)
https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5639.msg54695.html#msg54695
(2 piano repertory)
Best wishes,
Bernhard
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Thank you, bernhard. it's really helping :)
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Book titled Joy of Baroque has some good easy pieces; not all of them joyful however.
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bumping.....
i don't think debussy's arabesques have been mentioned yet...also, there's a really nice valse by sibelius which was in the trinity grade 5 syllabus some years ago.
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Balakirev - Islamey
beethoven - fur elise
alkan - comme_le_vent
liszt - many easy pieces he wrote
beethoven - moonlight First movement
Sorabji - OC
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Balakirev - Islamey
beethoven - fur elise
alkan - comme_le_vent
liszt - many easy pieces he wrote
beethoven - moonlight First movement
Sorabji - OC
??? ??? ??? this gotta be the worstest post in the history of ps.com
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liszt - many easy pieces he wrote
songs, not pieces. ::)
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songs, not pieces. ::)
pieces not songs, he's asking about piano not vocal
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also- pachelbel canon in D, if it hasn't been mentioned yet and Albeniz 'Tango' from his suite 'Espana'
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To toss a couple of my own favorites out there, roughly arranged in order of difficulty (edited to add a bit more information on the pieces):
Handel: Sarabande from his Suite #11 for Keyboard in D Minor, HWV 437. A stately dance in 3/4 time with two variations. You may know it as the theme to Barry Lyndon.
Schumann: Mignon, #35 from his Album for the Young (page 39 of the IMSLP score available here (https://imslp.org/wiki/Album_f%C3%BCr_die_Jugend,_Op.68_(Schumann,_Robert)). A slow and tender (as Schumann marks it) piece with plenty of opportunities for expression.
Bach: Prelude in C Minor, BWV 934 from his Little Preludes. (score (https://www.mutopiaproject.org/ftp/BachJS/BWV934/bwv-934/bwv-934-let.pdf)) A lovely intermediate piece that can take on a variety of different characters depending on the speed at which you play it, from slow and elegant piece to a lively dance.
Grieg: A King Ruled in the East and The Song of Siri-Dale (#3 and #4 from his 19 Norwegian Folk Tunes, Op. 66, score (https://imslp.org/wiki/19_Norwegian_Folk_Tunes,_Op.66_(Grieg,_Edvard))) Both of these are very short (less than a minute) arrangements, which start simply and end up with some interesting harmonies. The former is somewhat easier than the latter.
Bach-Busoni: Nun komm', der Heiden Heiland and Ich ruf' zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (#3 and #5 from Busoni's Ten Chorale Preludes transcribed for piano, available from IMSLP (https://imslp.org/wiki/Transcriptions_-_Bach:_10_Chorale_Preludes_for_Organ,_BV_B_27_(Busoni,_Ferruccio))). Both of these are transcriptions of pieces originally written for Organ. For both of them the challenge is not so much hitting the notes (though there is an awkward measure or two for the right hand near the end of "Nun komm...'") as balancing and bringing out the voices.
I'd also like to second the earlier recommendations for Debussy's Children's Corner (esp. #5, The Little Shepherd) and Heller's Op. 47 # 23.
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Most of Erik Satie's works are accessible for intermediate students.
The Suite "New and Old" by Wallingford Riegger.
Germaine Tailleferre has a set of pieces which are delightful. The title is something like "The Flowers of France" (Les Fleurs de France) +/-. :-[
Some of the Preludes by Liadov are intermediate.
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HERE IS MY ULTIMATE BEAUTIFUL PIANO MUSIC LIST!!!!
1)Alkan
"Barcarolle" Opus 65 No 6
"Alleluia" Opus 25
"Scherzo Diabolico" Opus 39 No 3
"Concerto for solo piano" 3rd movement
2)Beethoven
"Sonata Pathetique" Opus 13 No 8
3)Chopin
"Ocean Etude" Opus 25 No 12
4)Glinka
"Nocturne Eb Minor"
5)Gluck / Sgambati - "Melody From Orfeo"
6)Granados
"2 Danzas Españolas" Opus 37 No 2
7)Liszt
a-"Un Sospiro" S144 No 3
b-"Consolation" S172 No 3
c-"Liebestraum" S/G541 No 3
d-"Transcendental Etude Vision" S139 No 6
8)Lyadov
"Three Pieces Prelude in B minor" Opus 11 No 1
9)Rachmaninoff
a-"Barcarolle" Opus 11 No 1
b-"Moment Musical" Opus 16 No 4
c-"Prelude in g minor" Opus 23 No 5
d-"Prelude in c sharp minor" Opus 3 No 2
10)Ravel
"Miroirs" C43 No 3
11)Scarlatti
"Sonata in f minor" K466
12)Schubert
a-"Impromptu in G flat major" D899 No 3"
b-by Liszt"Gretchen am spinnrade"
:)
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Dropping by to add the piece I'm learning right now.
"La Caroline" by C. P. E. Bach
It's dramatic, in a minor key, and sounds more difficult than it is. I have my copy in a book my teacher suggested I buy: EASY CLASSICS TO MODERNS Vol. 17 Edited by Denes Agay. All of the pieces in this book are in their original form. Has anyone else used this? Is it considered a "reputable" book? I could have sworn I read somewhere that the pieces in this book are grade 3 but don't quote me on that. ;)
I adore the piece; it's been a huge practice motivation. It is also available for download (for $2.95) from https://www.musicnotes.com Go to the classical piano section and do a search for La Caroline in the title field and it will come up.
I remember playing this piece before! All the ornaments make it sound complicated but it wasn't so difficult.... It was in my grade 5 RCM book I think. I haven't even looked at the piece in a few years though- but I remember I enjoyed it so much! maybe I'll play it now :)
It's hard for me to come up with pieces that are not hard to play because I can't really remember how long it took me to learn them... every piece is so difficult at the beginning! And it depends on a person's level. But maybe Mysterious summer's night, by Kuzmenko. I liked that piece and I don't think it took me so long to figure out... It's not really "beautiful" but I love it! It's mysterious :) Faure's Romance sans paroles is pretty nice too....
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I second the idea of the Chopin preludes. Many are easy (and masterpieces) but in this collection of his Op 28 the sky's the limit as to difficulty. It's forever fun to try them all.
Also Schumann's Kinderscenen which includes "Traumerei."
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I second the idea of the Chopin preludes. Many are easy (and masterpieces) but in this collection of his Op 28 the sky's the limit as to difficulty. It's forever fun to try them all.
They are indeed utterly wonderful, but some of them are by no means easy to bring off well.
Best,
Alistair
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HERE IS MY IMPROVED ULTIMATE BEAUTIFUL PIANO MUSIC LIST!!!!
1)Alkan
"Barcarolle" Opus 65 No 6
"Alleluia" Opus 25
"Scherzo Diabolico" Opus 39 No 3
"Concerto for solo piano" 3rd movement
2)Beethoven
"Sonata Pathetique" Opus 13 No 8
3)Chopin
"Ocean Etude" Opus 25 No 12
4)Glinka
"Nocturne Eb Minor"
5)Gluck / Sgambati - "Melody From Orfeo"
6)Granados
"2 Danzas Españolas" Opus 37 No 2
7)Liszt
a-"Un Sospiro" S144 No 3
b-"Consolation" S172 No 3
c-"Liebestraum" S/G541 No 3
d-"Transcendental Etude Vision" S139 No 6
8)Lyadov
"Three Pieces Prelude in B minor" Opus 11 No 1
9)Rachmaninoff
a-"Barcarolle" Opus 11 No 1
b-"Moment Musical" Opus 16 No 4
c-"Prelude in g minor" Opus 23 No 5
d-"Prelude in c sharp minor" Opus 3 No 2
10)Ravel
"Miroirs" C43 No 3
11)Scarlatti
"Sonata in f minor" K466
12)Schubert
a-"Impromptu in G flat major" D899 No 3"
b-by Liszt"Gretchen am spinnrade"
13)Schumann
“Kinderszenen” Opus 15 No 1
;D
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Err...this thread is about pieces that are *not* hard to play.... :P
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I'll bump this thread up with a mention of Richard Wagner and his Album leaf for Fürstin Metternich (In das Album der Fürstin Metternich, WWV 94 . Score (https://imslp.org/wiki/In_das_Album_der_F%C3%BCrstin_Metternich,_WWV_94_%28Wagner,_Richard%29).
Wagner's solo piano music isn't nearly as well known as his operas, but if you try and imagine from his operas what this piece would sound like you probably won't be far off: Intriguing tonality, and moments of swelling strings notes that threaten at times to veer into schmaltz but never quite cross the line.
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I didn't read all of the responses, so this one might have been mentioned already...I just learned Humoresque by Dvorak. It's an easy piece but has such a catchy and likeable melody. My son loves it and says it sounds like a pirate song.
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Grieg op 43 no 3. Not difficult. A very haunting piece.
The sheetmusic is available at imslp.info
Renger
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i really recommend chopin mazurkas and nocturnes. not a lot of technical aspects in those pieces but still melodically beautiful. How about if you take down one mazurka a day and in no time you will be finished the series.
some of the nocturnes will be a little tougher, but the results are a simple, easy-yo-play piece that will make people think of the piece as a lot more difficult as it actually is.
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Tchaikovsky's "The Seasons" op. 37 is a collection of 12 pieces, one for each month. I guess it's about an advanced level. I especially like 'June - Barcarolle,' very lyrical, it reminds me of the ocean. You can hear clips of the 12 pieces here:
https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000026CZJ/qid=1108756997/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/102-0611981-0440912
I'll be back with more (hopefully) when I finish going through my stashes of abandoned music.
I enjoy those pieces very much. thanks for the post!
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Chopin's nocturne no 20 in c sharp minor and waltz op 64 no 2 in c sharp minor are both very beautiful, but may be on the advanced side for a beginner. His waltz in a minor op. posth is VERY easy yet, in my opinion, very beautiful in its simplicity.
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Liszt Romance in E minor
Chopin Nocturne in E flat
Schumann-traumerei