Suggestions for classical background music for functions

[phillip21]

The other day I was asked to play 'background music' for 3-4 hours at a birthday lunch on a (good) electronic piano.  The host asked for classical music, although he would be happy with a few standards and show tunes; however he disliked jazz.

This was quite a challenge, as I usually offer exclusively popular music for fundtions.  I therefore went through my collection of scores, looking for pieces that were simple enough to sightread (or play at most once through in preparation), that would not draw undue attention to themselves, had easy page turns, and would not demand too much stamina (eg octave passagework).  They would have to be works I could carry on playing even if people were to come over and talk to me.  The pieces that I eventually used were waltzes and German dances by Schubert and Beethoven (all ideal for the purpose), sonatina movements by Diabelli, Kuhlau and Clementi,  various 'salon pieces' from 19th century anthologies.  I also played a simple suite by Montague Ewing, and two movements from a piano transcription of the 'Four Seasons' (which I knew pretty well and did not have to practice).

I should like to offer similar programmes again, and should be interested in any suggestions anyone has for other works or arrangements that have been used in similar situations and fitted the bill.  For example are there any 'easy' baroque pieces that would be suitable? 

Phillip

[mattgreenecomposer]

I've run into this situation before....
I think the german dances and waltzes are a great idea as well as the sonatinas.  Also keep in mind that your average Joe doesn't know what classical vs. Jazz really is so there is a big "gray" area there that you can kinda cheat.  I like the Lynn Freeman
Olsen Essential Keyboard rep.  It's got many different levels of difficulty and they're easy to sight read for the most part.  Plenty of Barouque in there as well...


mattgreenecomposer.com

[rach n bach]

Look around here:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,23472.0.html

There are also some ideas here... though you will have to dig more and only in the first dozen or so posts:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,14930.0.html

And there are a couple here:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,14518.0.html

(Lau's comment that "anybody could be the next bernhard has got me thinking...) 

RnB

[phillip21]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.  I went to a concert recently where someone played a piece out of a big compilation of works by Ludovico Einaudi - I might get that book, as it probably counts (just) as 'classical' and is certainly popular.