Rate & Recommend!

[csjesse]

I'm looking to get back into classical.

For an idea of my skill level, I can play these perfectly:

(Chopin Prelude in Ab, posth)
Maple Leaf Rag (I know :>)
Pop music, Billy Joel, etc.

Trying to study classically by myself, so I've picked a few pieces.

Could someone rate their difficulties/order which I should tackle them?

Chopin Fantaisie Impromptu
Bach Invention #4
Preludes/Waltzes from Anna Magdalena Bach
Chopin Prelude Op 28 No4, No15
Chopin Nocturne Op 27 No1,2

Also up for recommendations on other pieces to help me improve.

Thanks a lot, great forum

[evitaevita]

Hello,

Well, firstly I have to say that many (almost all, but some of them more than other ones) classical pieces are not only technically demanding, but they also require a high level of musicality!
However, I can understand that maybe you just want to try them! Also, in your video I can see that you have the ability to play nice!

As for the pieces you mentioned:

Chopin's Fantaisie Impromptu is so beautiful, but quite difficult both technically and musically, as well as the Nocturnes Op.27 No.1 & 2 (not so difficult technically, but...).

Chopin's Preludes Op.28 No.4 and No.15 are much easier and, in my opinion, a good start with the romantic repertoire.

I believe that Bach's Invention No.4 is a good choice for you. It is one of the easiest inventions and it can help you get accustomed to polyphonic pieces.

I can't really understand which preludes and waltzes you mean from Anna Magdalena's Bach, because this book doesn't include any preludes or waltzes. But I'm not totally sure... Maybe you could help me if you post the sheet music of these pieces or mention specific titles of pieces...
Nevertheless, some preludes by Bach, such as Little Preludes and The well-tempered clavier (of course not all of them!!!), would be easy for you!

If I had to rate these pieces, then the list would be (from easier to harder):

Bach - Invention No.4
Chopin - Prelude No.4
Chopin - Prelude No.15
Chopin - Nocturne Op.27 No.1
Chopin - Nocturne Op.27 No.2
Chopin - Fantaisie-Impromptu

WARNING: Possibly someone could disagree with my list. It depends on the abilities of each person. I just wanted to help with your problem.

Other recommedations:
Some Chopin waltzes (Op.34 No.2, F Minor-1842, A Minor-1847),
Beethoven Bagatelles Op.33, Op.119 and Op.126,
Some parts from Bach's French Suites (Suite No.3: Menuet, Suite No.5: Gavotte, etc.),
Burgmuller's 25 Easy Studies (although they are studies, they are beautiful!),
Easy movements from Mozart's Piano Sonatas (No.16 "facile": all movements, no.7: 1st mov., etc.)
Some of Schubert's Moments Musicaux Op.94 ,
Schumann Album for the young
and Sonatines by Clementi or Diabelli.
I can't think of anything else right now...
Maybe some of them are very easy for you, but I just tried to mention a lot of pieces because exactly your level!

I hope I've been of some help to you!
Good Luck!!!

[csjesse]

Thanks evita for the reply.

I will geta hold of the recommended pieces and study them. Burgmuller's looks good!