Repertoire Suggestions

[lukepettyjohn]

I am currently working on the following classical pieces.  I also play piano for church so I practice arrangements of hymns and other Christian songs as well (Mark Hayes, Marilynn Ham, Cindy Berry, etc.) and I practice for congregational playing.  Additionally, i work a full time job as an elementary music teacher, but anyway, here are the classical pieces I am currently working on.


Chopin Nocturne Op 9 No. 1 in B Flat Minor

Brahms Rhapsody in G Minor

Debussy Ballade


I am thinking that once I make more progress on these pieces I should maybe add a piece from the Baroque or Classical Periods?

[dogperson]

Really like Bach Adagio BWV 974
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6UFHBMP03yE

[visitor]

play whatever you like,  I would also consider some Stanchinsky. the songs without words are really nice

[pencilart3]

Do something earlier than 1800, or possibly later than 1920. Variety is important especially at this stage of learning.

[lukepettyjohn]

Thank you for the suggestions everyone.  The Bach adagio is beautiful and I normally don’t care for Bach’s music (Am I allowed to say that?). I have never heard of Stanchinsky but his Songs Without Words are beautiful.  Since it was suggested that I learn something before 1800 I was thinking maybe finishing one of the full sonatas I learned just the first movement of earlier Beethoven Op 14 no. 1 and Mozart K. 457.  I also like the sound of Beethoven’s sonatas Op 14 no 2, Op. 28 and Op. 10 No. 1.  As far as Baroque repertoire goes, I have only played one Bach prelude and fugue before (the one in a flat from book one).  Like I said before, I don’t enjoy Bach.  I actually do like the sound of some of Scarlatti’s sonatas and Handel’s keyboard suites, though.

[pencilart3]

Like I said before, I don’t enjoy Bach.

Careful making blanket statements. Some music is not as easy to appreciate as others, but that doesn't mean that you wouldn't appreciate and grow to love it with more understanding. Remember baroque music is centered around harmony, structure, and order. Whereas Mozart and especially Beethoven enjoyed breaking rules for the sake of breaking them, don't underestimate the value of perfectly executed theory and harmonic perfection. Such music makes us able to enjoy those who came later. We had to have a standard before we could break it.

[visitor]

here's a good way to play some Bach, but not really, this is tough as heck w those 10th stretches in the RH i gave up trying this after a while but man i love this arrangment