What RCM grade is Handel HWV 584 Sonatina in a minor?

[1piano4joe]

Hi all,

I just "discovered" this piece.

Here is a performance of it www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHLOoSDAdFY

I don't know much about sonatinas or more specifically how hard they can get. I would like to learn this one but not if it's something like 5 grades above my level.

If someone could compare it to some other pieces they have played in terms of difficulty I would have some idea of whether or not it's advisable at this time.  

Thank you, Joe.

[j_menz]

You could have a look at the other pieces in the Bastien book that contains it and see if they give you a better idea.

It's subtitled "for the Early Advanced Grades". SMP grades it in their system as "Intermediate - 7", which is about the same in practice.

[quantum]

From the other pieces in the Bastien book, I would estimate Level 7 or 8. 

Here is an RCM Level 8 Handel piece for reference:

[1piano4joe]

Hi j_menz and quantum,

I did look in the Bastien book. It was an excellent suggestion. I should have thought of that.

This piece does appear to be around RCM grade 7 or 8. I think I will hold off on this one since I have other easier sonatinas that I am "considering". Also, I don't have as much experience with the Classical period as I do with the Romantic or Baroque.

I'm considering "working my way up" with:

1. Sonatina in g minor Op. 84, No. 2 by Erkki Melartin (RCM Grade 4)
2. Sonatina in F major by Beethoven (Grade 5)
3. Sonatina in a minor by Gurlitt (Grade 5)
4. Sonatina in G major By Dussek (Grade 6)
5. Sonata in G major 2nd movement By Rosetti (Grade 6)
6. Sonatina in C major by Kuhlau (Grade 6)
7. Sonatina in D major by Haydn (Grade 7)
8. Sonatina in C major by Clementi (Grade 7)

Something like that.

I think at least one per grade is probably not a bad idea while jumping directly from Sonatina in Bb by Wesley (Grade 4) to this Grade 7 or 8 piece unnecessary.

Alternatively, I could split the difference and try one of the relatively easier Grade 6 sonatinas and see how that goes.

What do you think?

Thank you, Joe.

[j_menz]

I think what surprisingly little time you save by jumping grades will be more than offset by the advantage of a better grounding derived from the first option.