The Cuckoo (Le Coucou) is an intermediate level keyboard piece dating from 1735 in which the call of the cuckoo is imitated. In some ways this makes i Show More...
The Cuckoo (Le Coucou) is an intermediate level keyboard piece dating from 1735 in which the call of the cuckoo is imitated. In some ways this makes it an early example of programme music. Whilst originally intended and played on a harpsichord it is often played on the piano. The realisation plays back at 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats a minute. The score detail in place is appropriate for the music to played on a piano or keyboard. If opportunities arise do play it on the organ.
Keyboard players need to approach this work with a lightness in their touch and keep their fingers as close as possible to the keys.The tempo needs to be constant possibly with a slight slowing down at the cadence points. The ornamental notes are probably best omitted while the piece is first being studied. The ornamentation in baroque keyboard music is a specialist subject in itself and the suggestions in the sheet music download are intended to encourage a practical, consistent and above all rhythmic approach.
Louis Claude Daquin was a French composer and famous as an organist and harpsichordist living and working in Paris. He is particularly associated with the baroque and style galant contexts in music history.
The rondeau form involves a principal theme or refrain alternating with sections known as episodes or couplets. ABACA would accurately reflect the form of the work although the phrase structure is irregular. The A sections are 23 bars long, B is 19 bars and C as much as 27 bars.
The rondeau form was particularly popular with French baroque composers especially Lully, F. Couperin & Rameau. Close
Added: 13th April, 2025 06:04 AM |
Views : 101
Joaquin Malats Serenata Española from his Impressions of Spain arranged for piano solo. This is an intermediate level #piano solo. #sheetmusic link: Show More...
Joaquin Malats Serenata Española from his Impressions of Spain arranged for piano solo. This is an intermediate level #piano solo. #sheetmusic link: coming soon
Great composers are well represented in sheet music editions both from the past and in the contemporary sense with academic and well researched modern editions. This is not the case with great pieces by possibly those not being recognised as great composers. Joaquin Malats Serenata Española from his Impressions of Spain is a work that falls in this category
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A sunny piece that features many characteristics typical of Spanish music
This a playable version of the Serenata Española although the arrangement does need to be evaluated and PlentyMusic would value feedback from pianists trying out this arrangement. It is possible that there are better octave options in the parts that could be explored.
animando used in the score implies an increase in tempo and has been placed above the stave as a score marking
There are many arrangements to be discovered for different instrument combinations. Interestingly, much of the Spanish piano repertoire of the 19th and early 20th centuries is more familiar transcribed to being played on the guitar and this is certainly the case with the Serenata.
This is a movement that dates from the late romantic era when nationalism became an identified as an important trend in composition. The music of composers from countries on the fringes of Europe started to appear in concert programmes.
In this movement many of characteristic musical sounds of Spain are captured in a score that suggests many images of the country. There is also much figuration and decoration used in Spanish music and these feature in the melodic, accompaniment, harmonic & timbral detail.
This movement music was composed and published in the last decade of the 19th century.
There were some ambiguities in the source scores available to the music editor who has spent time removing errors and inconsistencies.
It is the phyrgian mode that is features strongly in Spanish music. The structure of the phyrgian scale is S/T-T-T-T-S/T-T-T (S/T = semitone T = tone)
Modal shifts from minor to major also feature
The realisation plays back at a tempo of 116 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute although there are occasionally speeding ups (marked animando in the score) and slowing downs particularly at the end of phrases.
Spanish music is often dramatic and on occasions invites exaggeration in performance. Close
Added: 17th February, 2025 15:02 PM |
Views : 118
One of Tchaikovsky’s most popular piano pieces composed in 1878 and in the key of G minor. It is a ternary form ABA movement in a reflective melanc Show More...
One of Tchaikovsky’s most popular piano pieces composed in 1878 and in the key of G minor. It is a ternary form ABA movement in a reflective melancholy mood.
It has a regular phrase structure and the melodic line needs to be played with a singing legato. Pianists need to make appropriate use of the sustaining pedal although it is not indicated in the sheet music pdf.
When performing the music be aware that tempo changes particularly at the end of phrases are appropriate. The music needs to be delivered with expression and a range of dynamics. Tchaikovsky tends to make use of the full range of the piano in his writing.
There is a chromatic element in the harmonic writing particularly in the A section.
Playing the G minor scale in both the harmonic and melodic forms would be excellent preparation for playing this intermediate level work.
Listen to Sviatoslav Richter’s and others playing of this piece to gain an insight in how it is should be performed. There is much detail in the writing
There are 12 piano pieces in the Opus 40 collection. Close
Added: 19th October, 2024 08:10 AM |
Views : 360
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 5 BWV 776 in Eb is a dynamic and lively movement featuring patterns and shapes that have a strong unifying element.
In the Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 5 BWV 776 in Eb is a dynamic and lively movement featuring patterns and shapes that have a strong unifying element.
In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played. In this energetic and lively invention the lower mordent is a particular features.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. As for many of the inventions it is possibly a good idea to play the first two bars (possibly 4 bars) until they are known thoroughly before progressing to the rest of the movement.
The inventions provide excellent opportunities for musicians to improve and develop a secure keyboard technique.
Suggested fingering in this invention is frequently based on the direction in which the hands are moving particularly relevant for this movement because both hands are busy.
An engaging and dynamic performance piece that needs to played at around 88 - 100 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
On the compositional processes front the sequence is quite an evident compositional process in this invention
Remember that music needs to be performed slowly before it can be performed quickly.
The last bar has been edited to represent current performance practice.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
On a piano or weighted keyboard there is an opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Keyboard players will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of the importance of this aspect of piano playing.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
Added: 13th October, 2023 17:10 PM |
Views : 904
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch.
The playback t Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch.
The playback tempo of the realisation is 52 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece.
Like many of the inventions it that can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of different instrument combinations.
To understand how the ornaments should be played keyboard players can refer to the sheet music video on the PlentyMusic You Tube channel. In this video the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played.
The inventions composed in two parts or voices are concentrated and demanding movements to play. In these works it is important to keep to keep to the length of the written note values
Keyboard players will need to their fingers close to the keys and play with a lightness in the hands. Pianists will perhaps recognise that the weaker fingers need some extra practice and to solve this issue the music editor suggests practising thirds.
There is opportunity to explore right hand over left playing (bar 18) and changing fingering on a repeated note.
The opening shape or motif is quite long and the mood of this invention is quite melancholy with a characteristic minor 7th interval. The movement needs to played evenly and consistently with a legato touch and keyboard players will need to play with a lightness in the hands. Ornaments are in place but possibly can be omitted in the early stages of learning the piece. The inventions were originally intended to be played on the harpsichord and there is more than one suggestion of a two manual instrument in this particular invention.
Composed in the key of C minor the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
Added: 7th October, 2023 18:10 PM |
Views : 1086
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch.
The playback t Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 2 BWV 773 is an intermediate level movement in the key of C minor. It needs to be played with a legato touch.
The playback tempo of the realisation is 52 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece.
Like many of the inventions it that can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of different instrument combinations.
To understand how the ornaments should be played keyboard players can refer to the sheet music video on the PlentyMusic You Tube channel. In this video the ornaments have been written out in full to clarify how they should be played.
The inventions composed in two parts or voices are concentrated and demanding movements to play. In these works it is important to keep to keep to the length of the written note values
Keyboard players will need to their fingers close to the keys and play with a lightness in the hands. Pianists will perhaps recognise that the weaker fingers need some extra practice and to solve this issue the music editor suggests practising thirds.
There is opportunity to explore right hand over left playing (bar 18) and changing fingering on a repeated note.
The opening shape or motif is quite long and the mood of this invention is quite melancholy with a characteristic minor 7th interval. The movement needs to played evenly and consistently with a legato touch and keyboard players will need to play with a lightness in the hands. Ornaments are in place but possibly can be omitted in the early stages of learning the piece. The inventions were originally intended to be played on the harpsichord and there is more than one suggestion of a two manual instrument in this particular invention.
Composed in the key of C minor the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. Close
Added: 7th October, 2023 18:10 PM |
Views : 958
J. S. Bach’s Invention 15 BWV 786 in B minor is a deliberate and purposeful movement possessing a haunting quality whilst allowing keyboard players Show More...
J. S. Bach’s Invention 15 BWV 786 in B minor is a deliberate and purposeful movement possessing a haunting quality whilst allowing keyboard players to explore keyboard touches where notes are articulated staccato and/or staccatissimo.
The realisation plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
A movement that needs to be played with intention, consistency and purposefulness
During practice routines keyboard players can vary their playing approach to encompass the different piano articulations that can be used playing the movement.
The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice.
Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the cadential trills can be explored.
In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 7th October, 2023 16:10 PM |
Views : 1016
Invention 12 BWV 783 is in the key of A and is a movement that communicates purpose and intention.
The music editor suggests that keyboard players sh Show More...
Invention 12 BWV 783 is in the key of A and is a movement that communicates purpose and intention.
The music editor suggests that keyboard players should learn the movement in the first instance without the ornaments in place being played indicated in the sheet music score. What is important in delivering the intention of the music and the music only really becomes alive at the tempo of 68 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet notes to the minute.
At the same time it would be lovely to know what the tempo this invention was in Bach’s own time when there was no vision of the piano as becoming the keyboard instrument of choice
The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and imitate current modern performance practice.
The edited music score has suggested fingering in place although when it comes to playing the more complicated trills keyboard players will need to refer to the sheet music video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel to work out appropriate fingers to use for he playing of these ornaments.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
Many keyboard players whether pianists or harpsichordists approach this invention as if they are playing a virtuoso work which in many ways is surprisingly because the movement was composed well before the time that this concept was suggested attributed to describe the playing of N. Paganini.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 7th October, 2023 13:10 PM |
Views : 850
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 is a work exploring the scale of G minor. The chromatic element is quite strong and the resulting accidentals make Show More...
J .S. Bach’s Invention 11 BWV 782 is a work exploring the scale of G minor. The chromatic element is quite strong and the resulting accidentals make this a challenging score to read. The playback score has a tempo of 64 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
It is a movement that can be played at an even slower tempo than 64 bpm.
Legato playing is needed in a performance although there is scope to broaden the detail of how the notes are articulated. Any exaggerated playing should be avoided.
The music editor has avoided ornaments occurring in both voices at the same time.
The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice.
Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the cadential trill can be explored. This is particularly the case in music played at relative slow tempi.
In the video score the ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played.
This invention provides an excellent opportunity for players to become familiar with the scale of G minor in both its harmonic and melodic minor forms.
Players will possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. Playing levels will perhaps need to be reviewed when different instrument combinations are involved.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity.
Those learning how to use music notation software will find this another excellent study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention. Close
Added: 7th October, 2023 07:10 AM |
Views : 899
Invention 10 BWV 781 in the key of G is a challenging invention to play simply from how individual keyboard players approach how to articulate the no Show More...
Invention 10 BWV 781 in the key of G is a challenging invention to play simply from how individual keyboard players approach how to articulate the notes point.
It is interesting to observe the approaches to playing this movement. Many play the invention articulating the eighth note or quavers staccato while others play the movement with a legato touch. The former approach requires a lightness in the hands and can be a challenging to play because of the tension that is created in the hands and wrist.
Players should listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what are really considered to be basic learning pieces.
The best way of learning anything about music is by listening although in this modern world video footage now offers a very supportive and complementary medium particularly when camera angles allow viewers to see what musician’s hands are during a performance.
In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. Articulation markings are also indicated in this particular score. The music editor has avoided placing ornaments occurring at the same time in the two voices. The long trills occurring in bar 20 (treble clef) and bar 23 (bass clef) need to be played in a rhythmical and controlled manner with the left hand trill mirroring the right hand.
The suggested fingering in place on the edited music score is frequently determined by the direction in which the music and the hands are moving.
Remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly!
The music editor has chosen not to double ornaments where they occur in both voices simply because it lessens and contradicts the contrast in the parts.
The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the key system. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 6th October, 2023 16:10 PM |
Views : 1017
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 9 BWV 780 is a slow tempo movement in the key of F minor. A haunting and melancholy movement, the realisation plays back at Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 9 BWV 780 is a slow tempo movement in the key of F minor. A haunting and melancholy movement, the realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. It is a movement that can be played at an even slower tempo. Legato playing is also needed in a performance.
The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the trill can be explored.
In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played.
Players may well possibly need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar.
Playing the scale of F minor in the harmonic and melodic versions will provide a valuable assist in preparing this invention for performance.
F minor in much of J.S.Bach’s music is a key identified with melancholy and pathos particularly with a falling or sighing motif as heard in the opening of this invention.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey.
Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. When played in an ensemble context there is not much other music that can better prepare players for this type of music activity.
The intention in the duo arrangement is to help players become better ensemble players and to grow as musicians playing music as close to the composer’s intentions as possible.
These are concentrated and demanding movements to play.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
Those learning how to use music notation software will find this an excellent and frustrating study to copy simply because of the many accidentals that require attention.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 5th October, 2023 14:10 PM |
Views : 1101
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 3 BWV 774 in the key of D offers rhythmic challenges to the keyboard player. It is an intermediate level movement with the Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 3 BWV 774 in the key of D offers rhythmic challenges to the keyboard player. It is an intermediate level movement with the playback tempo of the realisation being 56 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the beats per minute (bpm) It is best to play the work with a sense of there being one beat to the bar.
There are three scores available in the download i) and edited music score with suggested fingering in place and with the ornaments written out as in the sheet music video ii) a plain score and iii) an edited sheet music score with suggested fingering in place and the ornaments indicated.
The music editor suggests that this a challenging invention to play. For those wishing for clarification as to how the ornaments should be played refer to the video score on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel.
The ornaments are probably best omitted when learning the piece whilst fingers need to be kept as close as possible to the piano keys. Suggested fingering is in place in the edited score.
The inventions are concentrated and demanding movements to play for the intermediate level player.
This is an interesting Invention to study because of the wide variation in how the movement is performed particularly from the tempo point of view and the approach to playing the ornaments. Many pianists for example trill the long tied notes beginning at bar 26. The points of imitation at the start of the phrases are something that keyboard players need to particularly communicate in their playing. The Inventions benefit from being played with a lightness in the hands and consideration as to how notes are articulated. Exaggerated playing should be avoided and is not appropriate to this style.
The limitations of the realisation is that the weight distribution between the hands is not truly represented in how the music should be played on the piano.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 3rd October, 2023 09:10 AM |
Views : 1136
J.S.Bach’s Invention 7 BWV 778 is in the key of E minor. In the opening section the phrases end on the first eighth note quaver beat of the bar. Pl Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 7 BWV 778 is in the key of E minor. In the opening section the phrases end on the first eighth note quaver beat of the bar. Playing the E minor scale in both its harmonic and melodic forms will provide excellent preparation for playing this invention. Bach’s inventiveness is usually demonstrated in formal templates familiar to him and those either playing or listening to his music. Both vocal and instrumental models are used. The music editor believes the best way of approaching the playing of this work is with an essentially legato touch with some variation in touch in place in the bars where the line is in eighth notes or quavers and ornaments are not being played. In all music beauty of sound combined with interpretative intention must be aim of the musician(s) involved. One of the most interesting aspects of this invention is the variety of performance approaches that are demonstrated particularly by keyboard players. Some articulate the notes with great consideration while others interpret the movement as if it is a vocal work with an approach suggesting a declamatory delivery. The long trills are a challenge but can be omitted on the piano which has a sustaining quality unlike the harpsichord for which the work was primarily intended and the main domestic keyboard instrument of Bach’s own time. When introduced they need to be played rhythmically and with an intention suggesting the keyboard player is in control. The PlentyMusic principle when it comes to adding ornaments to music scores is to follow and more or less and imitate current modern performance practice. Ornaments are applied consistently although there is scope for players to make some additions particularly at important cadence points in movements where the option of more notes in the trill can be explored. In the sheet music video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played. The realisation plays back at 72 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Players will perhaps need to edit their scores with reminders about accidentals within the bar. The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period. J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique. A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website. There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. Close
Added: 25th September, 2023 14:09 PM |
Views : 972
Invention 6 BWV 777 in the key of E is a movement that features figuration and an exploration of shapes rather than ornamentation. The two voices are Show More...
Invention 6 BWV 777 in the key of E is a movement that features figuration and an exploration of shapes rather than ornamentation. The two voices are frequently moving in contrary motion. Legato playing is suggested for this invention and the realisation plays back at 32 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute. The repeats whilst indicated in the sheet music score are not played in the mp3 realisation. This invention sounds so easy on the ear but it is a nightmare to read because of the accidentals.
The reading of the notes and accidentals requires attention especially in the second section and note values need to played accurately. There are opportunities to explore changing fingers on a note technique and some of the leaps need to be managed when preparing a performance of this score. Remember that all good piano playing is about good preparation. Sliding a finger from a black to a white note is another technique that is appropriate when playing this invention. The familiar compositional processes of imitation, inversion, sequence feature strongly in the movement. It is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what are considered to be learning pieces.
The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is. A plain sheet music score is attached to the edited music score in the pdf download. Close
Added: 25th September, 2023 11:09 AM |
Views : 912
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention No. 1 BWV 772 is an intermediate level movement can be played on a range of keyboard instruments and by a number of instrument combinations. In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel the ornaments have been written out in full. to clarify how they should be played.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
The playback tempo of the realisation is 60 beats per minute (bpm) and the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments when learning the piece.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score available as a pdf download from the PlentyMusic website.
Composed in the key of C the key journey is confined to the closely related keys of the dominant (bar 7), relative minor (bar 15) and sub-dominant (bar 20). Keys, understand, are not always established as such but are described as passing modulations in the baroque era. A key or change of key is generally thought of being established when there is a cadence which tends to be more the case in music from the classical era.
Tempo is one of the most challenging questions when playing the Bach’s 15 Two part inventions. The music editor suggests that there is often a tendency to play these movements too quickly.
The opening motif or melodic idea is quite short in this work whilst musical ideas are repeated and imitated by the two voices. The inversion of musical ideas is a particularly strong feature in this invention. The use of sequence is another compositional process readily identifiable. Close
Added: 20th August, 2023 13:08 PM |
Views : 927
Lullaby by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for piano the sounding key is Eb with th Show More...
Lullaby by J. Brahms is a famous and familiar melody from the classical music repertoire. In this arrangement for piano the sounding key is Eb with the PlentyMusic realisation of the sheet music score playing back at 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Pianists can view and hear the video sheet music score on our YouTube channel.
One of the most beautifully shaped and sounding melodies to be found in the history of Western music. A movement that needs to be played and communicate simplicity even though there is a hint of something a little more complex in the lilting accompaniment.
The melody needs to be played legato and there is opportunity to use rubato or robbed time which is associated with the performance of music from this time. Use of the sustaining pedal is recommended although its use has not been indicated in the sheet music score.
There are wide variations in tempo as to how the music is performed. The music editor suggests learning the movement at a tempo of 80 quarter note (crotchet beats) to the minute.
This is an excellent performance piece that can be played at a range of tempi and players should experiment with the tempo particularly in different acoustics and venues. As a familiar melody it needs to be learnt thoroughly.
This is a movement inviting interpretation during a performance. Players need to consider articulation, dynamic range and matters of tempo in their performances. An awareness of tempo rubato and its relevance to music performance in the romantic period would also be a valuable practical consideration.
Formally the pattern of the music can be described as binary represented as AB.
The ornaments have been incorporated into the sheet music in the notation to add clarity of intention.
Analysis reveals the simplicity of the movement from the harmonic point of view. The tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant 7th and sub mediant chords in the scale all feature in either root position or an inversion. Analysis will help clarify how composers were so the reliant on the cycle of fifths at this time in music history.
Brahms is an important and significant romantic composer associated with many large scale choral and instrumental works. Most of his music is technically very challenging to play. This song arrangement requires a relatively basic technique and is an excellent introduction to playing his music.
Brahms was a family friend of the Schumann family and the connections between them are often referenced in commentaries, music works and performances.
For those who have the time, skill set and imagination working the melody with a different accompaniment and stylistic approach can be a rewarding and broadening musical experience.
Re-invention is an important aspect of music making and PlentyMusic are keen and willing to both listen and publish work in this category. Close
Added: 3rd March, 2023 10:03 AM |
Views : 1022
An instrumental arrangement for intermediate level piano of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum dating from 1780. The arranger’s intention has been to prepar Show More...
An instrumental arrangement for intermediate level piano of Mozart’s Laudate Dominum dating from 1780. The arranger’s intention has been to prepare a performance piece containing the melody, the arpeggiated chordal accompaniment and bass line. This is classical music in its truest sense.
The realisation plays back at 36 dotted quarter notes or crotchet beats to the minute .
The text derived from the psalms suggests a prayer context which makes this an appropriate performance piece for reflection. Laudate Dominum is a movement from the Veperae solemnise de Confessore K.339
As there is a reduction in the musical texture some of the musical content has been omitted.
The intention of the music editor has been to prepare an arrangement which contains the melody, the arpeggiated chordal accompaniment and bass line.
There is the option of exploring the texture more fully with the addition of octaves in the section from bar
The realisation plays back at 36 dotted quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. A playing approach where two beats in the bar is communicated rather than two groups of three is suggested.
Vocal performances do tend to be performed at a slower tempo than those that are instrumental.
In the piano version the original contexts are indicated in the score which should be a helpful assist in interpreting and understanding the music.
Vocal models have been used for an interpretation of the ornaments in the realisation. The trills can of course be interpreted differently although consistency does need to prevail
in a performance. The ornaments have been written out in full in the video sheet music score which can be referenced on our YouTube channel if there is a need for clarification.
The piano and organ versions of the arrangement have slightly different bass lines each reflecting the practicality of the instrument.
The rhythms of the melody are determined very much by the patterns of the latin text and it would sensible for instrumentalists to be familiar with a recording or two of the original version of the work.
This is an excellent piece to study to see how the composer resolves dissonance and makes use the circle of fifths in his harmonic choices. Mozart’s approach to composition is always very disciplined and studied but at the same time musical ideas are always expressed originally and imaginatively. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) are also a strong feature. Close
Added: 28th February, 2023 11:02 AM |
Views : 951
Johannes Brahms Waltz Opus 39 No. 15 arranged for solo piano
The realisation plays back at 108 quarter note crotchet beats to the minute.
The susta Show More...
Johannes Brahms Waltz Opus 39 No. 15 arranged for solo piano
The realisation plays back at 108 quarter note crotchet beats to the minute.
The sustaining pedal is used throughout the movement and has been indicated in the score for the first two lines of the sheet music.
Pedalling principles can be quite confusing but the music editor offers the following advice:
i) the sustaining pedal can be used sparingly with a ¼ pedal or incrementally as a ½, ¾ or full pedal
ii) The pedal normally changes when the harmony or chord changes
iii) the pedal is depressed essentially just after first sound that needs to be captured with a pedal sound
iv) the pedal is released as the notes are depressed for the change in harmony then depressed again (In this movement release the pedal on the first beat of the bar and depress it again before sounding the second beat) The pdf music score available from PlentyMusic has the pedalling clearly indicated for the first two lines of music. The intention must be to avoid muddiness in the sound.
v) too much pedalling or over pedalling causes too harmonic confusion (muddiness) in the sound
vi) the music editor suggests a change of pedal on the first and third beat of the bar
This is an excellent performance piece but does need to be well prepared as a popular piece a pianist cannot afford to make even the tiniest of mistakes.
This is a movement inviting interpretation during a performance. Players need to consider articulation, dynamic range and matters of tempo in their performances. An awareness of tempo rubato and its relevance to music performance in the romantic period is also a valuable practical consideration. Pianists should be aiming for a legato touch certainly in their melody playing. Whilst there are staccato markings in the left hand part this is hidden by the use of the sustain pedal.
There is an indication in the score for many of the chords to be arpeggiated imitating the sound of the harp. Not all the chords are played in this way although some pianists adopt the technique for all chords in the movement. The speed of the arpeggio is something that the software used is not able to control and the arpeggios in the realisation are possibly a little on the slow side.
The last eight bars particularly need to be played with a light touch and probably warrants some separate practice.
The notes to be sounded in the right hand on the first beat of bars 41 and 42 are Ab5 & F6. The other notes are tied oved from the previous bar.
Formally the pattern of the music can be described as AABABA .
The ornaments have been incorporated into the sheet music in the notation to add clarity of intention.
The waltz emerged as a popular dance form in secular music during the 19th century and was used in both vocal and instrumental music.
The music editor suggests that playing this movement is excellent preparation for playing music by Scott Joplin and other composers of the ragtime era. Being able to play the left hand chord progressions particularly with the left hand is a challenge but has great relevance and context in the playing of modern piano music. Chopin’s piano music similarly offers great preparation.
Analysis of the movement from the harmonic point of view reveals that the tonic, mediant, sub-dominant, dominant 7th and sub mediant chords in the scale of Ab all feature in either root position or an inversion. Analysis will help clarify how composers were so reliant on the cycle of fifths at this particular time in music history. It remains the essence of why the music and musical journey of movements were so attractive and appealing to the musical ear.
Brahms is an important and significant romantic composer associated with many large scale choral and instrumental works. Most of his music is technically very challenging to play. This miniature requires a relatively basic keyboard technique and is an excellent introduction to playing his music on a piano. The music editor also suggests that it excellent preparation for playing the popular music from a later generation namely ragtime. Joplin was well prepared as a composer by playing the music of Chopin.
Brahms was a family friend of the Schumann family and the connections between them are often referenced in commentaries, music works and performances.
There is a piano duet version of the waltz also available. Close
Added: 30th January, 2023 09:01 AM |
Views : 983
F.J. Gossec’s Tambourin arranged for solo piano. Improve music practice routines by downloading sheet music from PlentyMusic.
A short but very appe Show More...
F.J. Gossec’s Tambourin arranged for solo piano. Improve music practice routines by downloading sheet music from PlentyMusic.
A short but very appealing movement ideal as an encore for the competent soloist warmed up and prepared to engage with the challenges of presenting a performance piece. The choice of tempo, managing the figuration in the section from bars 51-57 and how the melody is articulated especially from bars 80–89 identify are just some of the performance challenges to be considered.
The dance element is particularly strong in French music and this dance inspired instrumental with a sectional structure has a strong repetitive element. The realisation plays back at 118 quarter note crotchet beats to the minute. The music editor has not indicated the tempo in the music score using an appropriate Italian term but players need to play the movement at as brisk a tempo as possible.
There is a modulation to the dominant key at bar 51 where some attention needs to be paid to playing the correct accidentals.
There are some rhythmic options that can be explored in the section 51- 57. The music editor suggests playing the 7 bars first as eighth note or quavers and then introducing rhythmic options of sixteenth notes, sixteenth note triplets and thirty second notes. (quavers, semi quavers and demisemiquavers!)
Notes need to articulated clearly and particularly in the final section from bars 80 to 88 players may wish to play the sixteenth note semi quavers with a staccato touch.
Gossec was a French composer and pupil of Rameau although little known outside France
He composed symphonies, operas and is identified with the revival of instrumental music in France. A colleague of Cherubini he introduced and conducted the symphonies of Haydn in
Paris. Close
Added: 14th November, 2022 08:11 AM |
Views : 1935
Julia Florida by Agustín Barrios is an intermediate level piano transcription of a popular guitar work by the Paraguyan composer. Barrios was also a Show More...
Julia Florida by Agustín Barrios is an intermediate level piano transcription of a popular guitar work by the Paraguyan composer. Barrios was also a gifted poet and artist born in a country with a strong folk harp playing tradition.
His music, relatively unknown outside guitar circles, includes 100 original movements and some 200 arrangements of music by other composers. He also recorded and established a teaching tradition and legacy for the playing of the instrument.
His music can be identified with the late romantic tradition and is influenced by the folk music of South America , religious and European art music traditions especially the baroque.
The re-discovery of his music in the 1970’s is particularly due to the playing his music by the classical guitarist. John Williams
This transcription from guitar to piano very much keeps to the composer’s original intention. Some use of the sustaining pedal is suggested as is tempo rubato. The piano arrangement generally keeps to the voicing and intention of the guitar with the occasional addition of octaves where they are considered appropriate. There are some variants as to how the movement closes.
The movement is composed in the style of a barcarola or barcarolle which originates as a Venetian gondolier's song and features a 6/8 time signature combined with gently rocking rhythmic shapes. Close
Added: 15th October, 2022 09:10 AM |
Views : 1395
Handel’s Let me cry (Lascia ch’io pianga ) from the opera Rinaldo in an intermediate level arrangement for organ and piano. The aria or song is ta Show More...
Handel’s Let me cry (Lascia ch’io pianga ) from the opera Rinaldo in an intermediate level arrangement for organ and piano. The aria or song is taken from the opera Rinaldo which first appeared in 1711 and was subsequently revised in 1733. It is in ABA form and based on the sarabande rhythm which has the stress on the second beat of the three beats in a bar.
When sung the Da Capo section would be an opportunity for the soloist to improvise and ornament the melody and this is an option available for the top line players in this instrumental arrangement. The music editor suggests that it appropriate to keep to the style of the period in the first instance but it is also a piece in which the stylistic element can be explored. Those who enjoy improvising can always record their work can send it as an mp3 to the PlentyMusic office for feedback. The score has been notated in 3|2 time keeping to the conventions of the original notation but could quite readily be notated in 3|4 time. The trill in bar has been written out in the video score. This is music that is very appropriate music for a solemn processional in a social context context. It is usual to present baroque scores with minimal score detail although in this score there is some indication of appropriate dynamics. The arrangement is in the original key of F major although the tempo for the quartet is more Larghetto than Largo which was the tempo indication in the opera. The music in the video score plays back at a tempo of 66 half note or minim beats to the minute. The music editor makes the observation that instrumental arrangements of a vocal piece are invariably played at a faster tempo. There is an interesting story as to the origins of the sarabande rhythm for those who enjoy researching the history of forms and rhythmic patterns particularly those associated with dances. Close
Added: 5th June, 2022 16:06 PM |
Views : 1563
The spirit of the English pastoral tradition is captured perfectly in this movement from Warlock’s Capriol Suite. There are also some beautiful moda Show More...
The spirit of the English pastoral tradition is captured perfectly in this movement from Warlock’s Capriol Suite. There are also some beautiful modal conflicts reflecting the composer’s interest in the music Elizabethan music and particularly that of John Dowland. There are some compromises in the voicing of the lines particularly in the closing section whilst bar 13 requires some careful note reading in the left hand. This is an excellent piece for developing legato playing. It is also a good test piece because a successful performance requires an awareness of the modal conflict that exists in the lines of the music evident in the conflicting accidentals that feature in the score. The time signature is also a bit unusual but think of it as three groups of 3 whilst the tempo of the realisation is 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. (44 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The voice leading at times quite a challenge to follow and for players really interested in understanding the musical elements should refer to the score for string orchestra. Peter Warlock’s career was sadly a short lived one but he did make some important contributions to the repertoire including the Capriol Suite from which this particular movement is taken. He was very interested in folk and Elizabethan music and used the name Warlock as a pseudonym for his composition work. He was a close friend of Delius and also worked as a music journalist using his real name which was Philip Heseltine. Warlock’s particular interest in music was in discovering and exploring the modal quality of English music through its folk song and its Elizabethan vocal music. The Capriol Suite captures what could be described as neo-Elizabethan idiom and spirit quite perfectly and it is well worth listening to the whole work played in its orchestral arrangement. Warlock’s was in many ways an unfulfilled life but it is evident in both his instrumental and vocal music that he had a quite exceptional musical ear and a true understanding of English music. Close
Added: 15th May, 2022 15:05 PM |
Views : 1033
The Spanish composer Manuel de Falla composed his Canción in 1900. An intermediate level piano solo - it is a jewel of the 20th century Spanish piano Show More...
The Spanish composer Manuel de Falla composed his Canción in 1900. An intermediate level piano solo - it is a jewel of the 20th century Spanish piano repertoire. Canción is composition for piano in triple time dating from 1900. The opening bars are quite reminiscent of Satie’s music. In a very short space of time the composer takes the player on a simply amazing harmonic and musical journey. Manuel de Falla is widely considered to be the greatest 20th century Spanish composer. The piece is an exploration of a melody in different modalities, textures and styles. The use of the sustaining pedal is indicated in the opening bars of the sheet music score and then the pattern is continued. Pianists should be aiming for a legato touch and there are some subtle changes of tempo to manage particularly at the end of phrases. The Animando e cresc section should be started at the beginning of bar 21. Close
Added: 11th March, 2022 18:03 PM |
Views : 1608
Gnoissienne No. 1 an intermediate level piano solo dating from 1890 and was composed by Erik Satie one of the most eccentric and individual composers Show More...
Gnoissienne No. 1 an intermediate level piano solo dating from 1890 and was composed by Erik Satie one of the most eccentric and individual composers in the history of music. The movement is frequently associated with images particularly in video documentaries that convey sadness and melancholy. Satie’s sound world is both individual and characteristic. There is a strong repetitive element whilst the timeless element is also an additional feature. Satie was a composer who experimented with form, rhythm and both chordal structures and sounds. A miniaturist his music connects with many because his sound world retains great contemporary appeal. The first 3 Gnoissiennes were published in 1893 and do not have time signatures or bar lines and are described as being in free time. The score available from PlentyMusic has this and an additional appended score which does have the time signature and bar lines in place. Bar lines are so easy on the eye and the music editor suggests should never be totally ignored. The playback tempo is 110 quarter note beats to the minute suggesting a more Moderato tempo than Lento. Understand that music tempi in general have quickened in the last 100 years. The use of the sustaining pedal is recommended but not indicated in the sheet music score. Saties’s Gnoissienne are similar to the Gymnopedie’s in style and concept and musical language. Satie lived in Paris and there are some fascinating commentaries about his daily life and work routines which involved walking from his apartment in Accueil to Paris particularly to Montmartre and after WW1 to Montparnasse. They are well worth exploring particularly as they give insight to his approach to life and composition. When he died much of his music was rediscovered simply because it was buried in a piano below a piano. Work this one if you can or research more. He is a quite extraordinary composer who more than 100 years after his death remains even more extraordinary and certainly suggests he lived well before his time. Possibly in more recent times he would be described as being somebody with OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) although that is a diagnosis for a psychologist rather than a music editor. Satie’s music translates well into other idioms such as jazz. He remains a composer who whose music should be explored by all musicians. Close
Added: 11th March, 2022 18:03 PM |
Views : 1486
An intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic for organ of the second movement Siciliana from the String Trio Opus 17 No. 1 by Felice Giardini.
Show More...
An intermediate level arrangement from PlentyMusic for organ of the second movement Siciliana from the String Trio Opus 17 No. 1 by Felice Giardini.
This is a 4 part arrangement or music originally conceived for 3 voices. Giardini’s string trio’s are beautifully crafted works and need to be re-discovered and played. The tempo marking in the sheet music score is Adagio whilst the video score plays back at 44 dotted quarter (crotchet) notes to the minute.
Trills begin on the note and have been notated in full in the video score. This area of performance practice is one that encourages debate and if instrumentalists have an alternative please do send the PlentyMusic Office an mp3 recording of a performance or rehearsal or even a notated version.
The siciliana, siciliano or sicilienne is a slow dance with a lilting rhythm in three time which can be described as a slow jig and features quite strongly in baroque music and in many works since. Such music is often in the minor key, pastoral in character with dotted rhythms frequently prevailing. Its origins are possibly Sicilian because of its association with the Sicilian born Alessandro Scarlatti but more likely to the madrigals of the Italian renaissance.
Giardini’s music is familiar to those who sing hymns as the tune Moscow was composed by him. Giardini 1716 – 1796 Italian by birth, was a violinist and composer, who toured widely in Europe settling in England and becoming an orchestra leader of the Italian Opera in London and director of the orchestra at the London Pantheon. He worked closely with his friend and colleague J. C. Bach, familiarly referred to as the the London Bach. For a 15 year period from the mid 1750’s Giardini was considered to be one of the very best performing artists of his time.
As a composer his chamber music, particularly his string trios, are best known and his compositional style combines style galant with the classicism of J. C. Bach and the Mannheim school associated with Stamitz. This so called pre-classical period in music is a fascinating period to study because of the great diversity in music across the main cities of Europe. After leaving England in 1784 for Naples his career faltered due mainly to changes in secure financial circumstances. Close
Added: 11th March, 2022 14:03 PM |
Views : 1857
Spanish Dance No. 5 by E. Granados from PlentyMusic for solo piano. This popular and appealing intermediate level movement dates from 1890 and its use Show More...
Spanish Dance No. 5 by E. Granados from PlentyMusic for solo piano. This popular and appealing intermediate level movement dates from 1890 and its use of the phyrgian scale gives it a characteristic Spanish identity. Granados (1867 - 1916) was a Catalan composer and his 12 Spanish Dances date from 1890. His music identifies so much with the sound world of Spain and he is often described as a nationalist composer. Interestingly much of his music is more familiar to audiences transcribed for classical guitar. Changing time signatures are a feature of the movement, with an emphasis on the second beat of the bar and the use of accents and pauses. Ostinato is a term that could be used to describe the accompaniment figuration that features strongly in the movement. An ostinato is a repeating pattern usually repeated through a composition. Both acciaccaturas (crushed notes) and appoggiaturas (leaning notes) feature in the arrangement. The Spanish Dance No. 5 is a very appealing work in ABA (ternary form) which was very much the composing default for instrumental compositions for the time described as the late romantic or nationalist era in music history. The tempo indication given by the composer in the piano score is Andantino, quasi Allegretto indicating a pulse of slightly more than a walking pace with the middle section marked Andante. These markings possibly suggest the music should be played at a faster tempo than demonstrated in the realisation which plays back at a tempo of 50|100|50 beats to the minute. The first and last section are in 6/8 time whilst the Andante B section is in 3/4 time. The slowing downs at the end of phrases and the return to a tempo or tempo primo are not indicated or marked in the music score although they are an important and necessary aspect of any performance as is the use of tempo rubato. Pauses which are often introduced in a performance also are not indicated in the accompaniments and realisations. This is a great movement for instrumental players to explore tempo. Ideally the first and last section should also be played at the same tempo adding an additional performance challenge. The music can be played and given a more dance like character if some of the melodic notes are played staccato. The music editor suggests that this is an aspect of performance that can be explored although the suggestion is that playing should never be too exaggerated. The last note in the arrangement can possibly be omitted. The music editor suggests it is place as the dominant note of the succeeding Spanish Dance No. 6. Representing the Spanish musical elements in the staff notation system is a challenge and clearly some comprises are needed particularly in respect to the notation of scales, harmonic colour, dynamics, tempo and ornamentation. The essential elements of Spanish music are its dramatic character often achieved by modal shifts from minor to major and vice versa, its use of the phrygian scale and rhythms derived from the popular dance rhythms of its diverse and rich culture. When music that identifies with a country or region is presented in a notated music score there are comprises to be made in respect to representing the musical elements. The music editor always suggests listening to performances of music to have an understanding particularly of contemporary practice. Pianists should explore the ensemble arrangements of this work available on the PlentyMusic website. Performers should also understand that there are some ambiguities, contradictions and often errors in the available printed music scores. This is an appealing piece of music with many challenges from the performance, music setting and analysis point of view. The composer was clearly challenging the musical boundaries of his time in respect to how the music of his nation could be represented as notated music. Close
Added: 17th February, 2022 13:02 PM |
Views : 1418
Ave Maria is one of the most beautiful melodies from the romantic era composed by Schubert in 1825 This intermediate level piano arrangement from Plen Show More...
Ave Maria is one of the most beautiful melodies from the romantic era composed by Schubert in 1825 This intermediate level piano arrangement from PlentyMusic is available as a pdf download. The song was composed by Schubert in 1825 as part of a song cycle based on Walter Scott’s The Lady of the Lake. Many performances that are sung make use of the text of the Latin prayer “Ave Maria.” The work is identified as Schubert’s Opus 52 No.6 D.839. As an instrumental arrangement of Ave Maria the barring has been made appropriate for instrumentalists to read. Whilst the melody and accompaniment does sound very on the ear and suggest that it is an easy piece of music to play there are several technical and musical challenges to be overcome before Schubert's AveMaria can be played both competently and confidently. The playback tempo in the realisation is 36 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute (bpm) although the music editor suggests that it is best to learn the movement with an awareness of an eighth note or quaver pulse triplet figuration geatured in the accompaniment. The tempo marking in Schubert’s score is Sehr langsam which means very slow. Singers do frequently take a slower tempo than instrumentalists. The tempo indication in the PlentyMusic instrumental arrangements is Largo. Whilst use of the sustaining pedal is suggested the pedal markings are only indicated in the first bar and are then hidden in the sheet music score. One of the greatest challenges in music is playing a repeat simply because playing the same music again requires much greater concentration. Logic suggests that playing a repeat should be easier to although this not always seem to be the case. Young musicians in particular need to be aware of this. Instrumentalists need to have a clear understanding and intention as to how the melody is to be played particularly from the rhythmic point of view. The cross rhythms, dotted notes, triplet figuration and ornaments all present challenges. The melody itself needs to be played in a legato or singing style. Players need to be always conscious and aware of the triplet figuration played in the accompaniment. The ornaments have been written out in the video score but are indicated with symbols in the sheet music scores available as pdf download from PlentyMusic. In bars 4 and 5 the third beat melody notes can be played as quarter notes (crotchets) and the challenges of the short essentially ornamental notes can be added later. Pianists who want to explore and be challenged furthermore can look at Liszt’s arrangement of Schubert’s work. When a movement involves reducing the score, as is the case in this arrangement, it means that some aspects of the music score are omitted. It is worth studying the full vocal score which may clarify some of the challenges that need to be addressed by the arranger The approach for the keyboard player should be to keep the melody wherever possible and when appropriate rhythmically independent of the triplet figuration of the accompaniment. Close
Added: 2nd November, 2021 11:11 AM |
Views : 2356
Los Tres Golpes by the Cuban composer Cervantes explores the habanera pattern. This arrangement for solo piano is a transposition of the work to the k Show More...
Los Tres Golpes by the Cuban composer Cervantes explores the habanera pattern. This arrangement for solo piano is a transposition of the work to the key of G minor (up a minor third from the original key of Em). The realisation for Los Tres Golpes (The Three Knocks) is presented with a repeat played which is common when Cervantes music. The playback tempo is 84bpm. The movement can be played at a variety of tempo although the music editor suggests that it is easier to decide when the movement is being played too slowly rather than too quickly! There is scope to explore tempo rubato in a performance. These miniatures provide excellent playing material for players because they provide so many of the musical elements that feature in Cuban music whether in art music, folk or a popular music context. Cervantes was a composer and musician who assimilated the music elements of his home country in all his work. As he studied music formally in Cuba and in Europe his music is generally presented in a way that lends itself to being arranged in the traditions of the Western music tradition. The contrapuntal element in his music is very strong and whereas formally Cervantes always has clear melodic and harmonic direction musical ideas are presented in a sectional context which are generally repeated. The suggestion is of a very quick and inventive mind particularly regarding his use of the habanera pattern. The original PlentyMusic context for this movement was in the Ragtime and Relations Area of Study in which the focus was exploring syncopated rhythms including the habanera pattern. In 2021, the scores have been reviewed and a number of additional arrangements have been added to the PlentyMusic website. Close
Added: 8th October, 2021 17:10 PM |
Views : 1730
Adiós A Cuba (Farewell to Cuba) is one of Ignacio Cervantes most popular works. This arrangement from PlentyMusic is for solo piano with the music t Show More...
Adiós A Cuba (Farewell to Cuba) is one of Ignacio Cervantes most popular works. This arrangement from PlentyMusic is for solo piano with the music transposed to the key of A minor. It features many of the rhythmic patterns characteristic of Cuban music. It is an excellent movement to encourage rhythmic accuracy and developing a sense and awareness of pulse in ensemble music making. The rhythmic shapes need to be possibly learnt and made secure by being clapped/tapped. In the opening section with the strong repetitive element players should be aiming at tonal and dynamic contrast in their playing of the repeating motif. There are some idiomatic rhythmic shapes in the writing whilst the musical texture lends itself to being very suitable for arrangement as an ensemble piece. This is music that features modal shifts and elements of chromaticism. The realisation plays back at 60 quarter note beats to the minute. This is music that allows for subtle tempo changes in performance whether it be speeding up, slowing down or returning to an “a tempo” marking. Whilst rits. or slowing down feature in the realisation the accelerando though marked is ignored. There is an opportunity to perhaps to included pauses in the music at bars 17 and 33 although they are not indicated in the scores. In the video score the instrument parts are notated at written pitch. Ignacio Cervantes was born in Havana, Cuba and this is one of his most popular pieces and melancholy in character. The habanera rhythmic pattern features strongly in the music of the composer who mostly composed for the piano. His piano pieces tend to be quite short but are idiomatic and imbued with the colours and rhythms of his home country. Close
Added: 31st August, 2021 09:08 AM |
Views : 1632
The Minuet and Trio in E by Franz Schubert is an excellent performance piece and this plai score version for solo piano is available as a free score Show More...
The Minuet and Trio in E by Franz Schubert is an excellent performance piece and this plai score version for solo piano is available as a free score from PlentyMusic as a pdf download. Whilst the work is described as a Minuet with two Trios only the second Trio has been used in this arrangement. It is an excellent performance piece. The Minuet and Trio are performed without the written repeats sounding in the realisation. In a performance the Minuet and Trio should be performed as follows. Minuet AABB | Trio AABB | Minuet AB. Both the Minuet and Trio are played at the same tempo. Legato playing is required in the playing of the Trio section. Many of the melodic ideas from the music from the classical and romantic era can be understood to be almost like conversations. Piano pedalling has not been indicated in the music score although its use is appropriate particularly in the trio section. The pedalling should not be too heavy and pedal points should relate to changes in the harmony. Pianists would be well advised to approach the playing of the two movements with a lightness in their hands. The triplet figuration is a prominent feature in the melodic line which has a range of two octaves in essentially a two, three sometimes four-part texture. The small notes in bar (acciaccaturas or crushed notes) do not sound in the realisation in bar 41. This an excellent movement for developing the playing of a range of different articulations. Pianists and keyboard players should explore the dynamic element in their performances exploring contrasting dynamics. A movement with clarity of intention particularly in respect to its rhythmic detail. Phrasing can be very much determined by the choice of fingering with regular 8 bar phrases predominantly feature. The pause marks indicated in the sheet music score are an aspect of the score detail that can be explored in a live performance. The compositional basis of much music from the classical era is concerned with the exploration of contrast. This is a feature that can be readily identified in the music of Schubert. Both a plain score and an edited music score are available from PlentyMusic. There are many arrangements to be discovered on the PlentyMusic website featuring a range of instruments and ensembles. Close
Added: 5th August, 2021 08:08 AM |
Views : 1911
Bartok's approach to much of his piano writing is that he considers it as a percussion instrument. Much of his music sounds challenging but often it Show More...
Bartok's approach to much of his piano writing is that he considers it as a percussion instrument. Much of his music sounds challenging but often it is quite playable. The challenge is more on the musical ear and technique rather than the musical content. It is a case of the listener being challenged. The score detail is a strong element in the sheet music copy. Bartok’s music scores do require careful study. The melodic shapes and patterns in this movements are strong and repetitive and the rhythmic element music is particularly strong. He was a great experimenter with sounds and in that he has much in common with Stravinsky. Bartok is one of the best 20th century composers to study because he is excellent at preparing the ear’s of a musician for modern sounds. Bartok’s music does possess great symmetry and his music does identify with the tonal tradition. His music might not sound tonal at times but the functionality in all sense and purpose is tonal. Bartok’s music is often derived from the rhythms and sounds of folk melodies he heard as a child and adult. The music editor suggests that this is an excellent performance piece for aspiring musicians. Close
Added: 20th July, 2021 12:07 PM |
Views : 1524
The music of J. L. Dussek is well worth discovering and playing. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are brimming with invention and musical interest and are perfec Show More...
The music of J. L. Dussek is well worth discovering and playing. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are brimming with invention and musical interest and are perfect for developing a secure technique on a piano. This is music that both expresses and possesses the joy of its time. A rondo is a movement with a recurring theme. The repeats do not playback in the realisation. Music that has design and clear direction that is essentially pianistic. Musical ideas need to be clearly articulated without necessarily being exaggerated. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 72 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more suitable for the dry acoustic of earlier wooden framed pianos. Pianists may wish to add their own additional score detail particularly in respect to the note articulations but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent or tenuto marking but this aspect of performance is secondary to the requirement for secure fingering as encourages secure technique. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement suggests that this is more romantic than classical music. Dusssek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score and an edited music score with suggested fingering is available from PlentyMusic for one credit. In the edited music score the suggested fingering is notated above the note for the right hand and below the note for the left hand. Look out for the changing finger on a note which currently cannot be represented as clearly as the music editor intends. Bar 10 and 61 should logically contain the same music but they don’t. Players may well want to consider how they approach these two bars. A possible error in the score but by whom? The copyist, the engraver(s) or even the composer? It’s a much better question than you imagine because music printing of the distant past had so many inconsistencies. The music editor’s view is simply that many composers just did not have time to proof read the printer’s copy. Close
Added: 16th July, 2021 10:07 AM |
Views : 1628
Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. His Opu Show More...
Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are well worth exploring. A purposeful and dynamic intermediate level movement for solo piano. The repeats do not playback in the realisation. Clarity in the articulation of the music achieved by shortening some of the notes and an increasing the dynamics. Smorzando translates as dying away. The realisation plays back at 116 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and Allegro is the indicated tempo marking in the sheet music score. Whilst musical ideas need to be clearly articulated there should not be exaggeration in the playing. There is opportunity to practice crossing over of hands. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more suitable for the dry acoustic of earlier wooden framed pianos. Pianists may wish to add their own additional score detail particularly in respect to the articulation of notes but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent or tenuto marking but not too many! Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest more romantic than classical music. Dussek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score whilst the edited music score is available for one credit. Close
Added: 16th July, 2021 10:07 AM |
Views : 1714
The music of J. L. Dussek is well worth discovering and playing. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are brimming with invention and musical interest and are perfec Show More...
The music of J. L. Dussek is well worth discovering and playing. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are brimming with invention and musical interest and are perfect for developing a secure technique on a piano. This is music that both expresses and possesses the joy of its time. A rondo is a movement with a recurring theme. The repeats do not playback in the realisation. Music that has design and clear direction that is essentially pianistic. Musical ideas need to be clearly articulated without necessarily being exaggerated. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 72 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more suitable for the dry acoustic of earlier wooden framed pianos. Pianists may wish to add their own additional score detail particularly in respect to the note articulations but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent or tenuto marking but this aspect of performance is secondary to the requirement for secure fingering as encourages secure technique. Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement suggests that this is more romantic than classical music. Dusssek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score and an edited music score with suggested fingering is available from PlentyMusic for one credit. In the edited music score the suggested fingering is notated above the note for the right hand and below the note for the left hand. Look out for the changing finger on a note which currently cannot be represented as clearly as the music editor intends. Bar 10 and 61 should logically contain the same music but they don’t. Players may well want to consider how they approach these two bars. A possible error in the score but by whom? The copyist, the engraver(s) or even the composer? It’s a much better question than you imagine because music printing of the distant past had so many inconsistencies. The music editor’s view is simply that many composers just did not have time to proof read the printer’s copy. Close
Added: 16th July, 2021 08:07 AM |
Views : 1626
Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. His Opu Show More...
Dussek was a Czech composer and like Beethoven is a transition figure linking the classical period to the romantic in a music history context. His Opus 20 Sonatinas are well worth exploring. A purposeful and dynamic intermediate level movement for solo piano. The repeats do not playback in the realisation. Clarity in the articulation of the music achieved by shortening some of the notes and an increasing the dynamics. Smorzando translates as dying away. The realisation plays back at 116 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute and Allegro is the indicated tempo marking in the sheet music score. Whilst musical ideas need to be clearly articulated there should not be exaggeration in the playing. There is opportunity to practice crossing over of hands. Many of the early published scores of this movement have score detail that possibly is more suitable for the dry acoustic of earlier wooden framed pianos. Pianists may wish to add their own additional score detail particularly in respect to the articulation of notes but the music editors view is that is best to be minimalist. Some notes may require a staccato, an accent or tenuto marking but not too many! Dussek himself was a widely travelled piano virtuoso and was the first pianist to sit with his profile to the audience as is modern practice. The chromaticism in this movement does suggest more romantic than classical music. Dussek is important too for encouraging the extension of the range of the piano to the 6-octave range and introducing pedal markings in the writing of piano music. He also composed music for the harp. The plain score is available as a free score whilst the edited music score is available for one credit. Close
Added: 16th July, 2021 07:07 AM |
Views : 1796
Schubert’s Minuet in A D.334 is a hidden gem of the music repertoire and needs to played to become better known by instrument players and audiences. Show More...
Schubert’s Minuet in A D.334 is a hidden gem of the music repertoire and needs to played to become better known by instrument players and audiences. An ideal concert even encore movement. There are also many arrangements to be discovered on the PlentyMusic website for different combinations of instruments. The Minuet is performed without the written repeats sounding in the realisation. This is a quite enchanting movement demonstrating how much Franz Schubert related to chamber music playing. The arrangements keep close to Schubert’s original score whilst the falling melodic shape / motif at the end of the Minuet is a lovely challenge for performers to deliver with delicacy and musicality. Originally a solo work for piano it is an excellent movement for developing an understanding of musical texture from the historical period around 1820. The music editor suggests a one to the bar feel in performance. A tempo of 56 dotted half notes (minim) beats to the bar is used in the realisation. One of the most challenging aspect of performing this Minuet is distinguishing the notes that are tied from the ones that are slurred. Players should be aiming for a legato in their playing and the avoidance of any exaggerated playing. The playing challenge is to communicate the simplicity of the movement as musically as possible. Composers are often in their “best to understand” mode in what many might consider are relatively easy pieces of music to play. Simplicity is often when they are at their clearest and this can be revealing in understanding and making sense of how to play more challenging works. This work was originally composed for piano with the suggested date for the composition being 1816 establishing it as the work of a teenager. No piano pedalling is indicated in the music score although its use is appropriate. The pedalling should not be too heavy and pedal points should relate to changes in the harmony. The tempo of the minuet and the trio section is the same in the realisation. This is not always the case in Minuet and Trio playing. Close
Added: 5th July, 2021 13:07 PM |
Views : 2296
This quiet slow movement in reflective mood with a compositional approach that is vocal in its style and reminiscent of Bach’s 4 part chorale writin Show More...
This quiet slow movement in reflective mood with a compositional approach that is vocal in its style and reminiscent of Bach’s 4 part chorale writing although presented with romantic harmony. The melody is not always in the top line and as in 4 part chorale writing it is the tenor line that often needs to be prominent. The second middle section is presented as a fugal exposition. The final section is introduced by a dotted rhythm as an upbeat in bar 32 and returns to the mood and style of the first section although this final section has more contrast and is more dramatic. Schumann’s intention is to combine beauty of sound with a legato touch and it is important for pianists to aim for the best legato possible in their playing. The realisation plays back at 56 quarter note beats to the minute with the tempo is marked adagio in the score. The challenge playing the piano version is simply managing the musical lines and imitation embraced in the texture. The music editor suggests playing through the separate lines of the score to gain understanding of the compositional process and points of imitation. This is a challenging movement from the music reading point of view because of the chromaticism and tied notes. For those wishing to see how the ornaments in the realisation are played refer to the video score on the PlentyMusicCo YouTube channel. Simply click the link on the PlentyMusic home page and search for the score. The final chord should be spread evenly from the lowest to the highest sound. There are many arrangements of this particular movement and the music editor suggests that along with Schumann’s other Studies in Canon they are ideal works to introduce intermediate level players to chamber music playing. It is quite understandable that other composers and arrangers have re-visited the Studies in Canon by Schumann, in a practical way, with arrangements for various instrument combinations. These arrangements encourage a clearer understanding of the contrapuntal aspects of the original composer’s writing. Do explore the organ, piano duet, two piano and trio versions available on the PlentyMusic website. Close
Added: 13th April, 2021 06:04 AM |
Views : 2528
This movement is an arrangement of music that was originally composed for the violin and guitar. The third movement of Niccolo Paganini’s Sonata Con Show More...
This movement is an arrangement of music that was originally composed for the violin and guitar. The third movement of Niccolo Paganini’s Sonata Concertata essentially has the form and mood of a rondo which are are typically found as the lasts movements of a concerto. This is an appealing uplifting joyful movement with challenges for both the solo player and accompanist. The realisation plays back at 96 dotted quarter notes to the minute and the movement can be performed in a tempo range from 88 to 104 dotted quarter notes to the minute. There is still much repertoire to be discovered and shared from existing music and Paganini’s compositions for violin and guitar are in this category. The sectional structure of the rondeau encourages good practice strategies and as the repetitive element is strong it makes it an ideal performance piece for the player seeking to gain experience and confidence in this aspect of their playing. The repeat of the first section has been retained in the realisation and music score but could be omitted in a performance. The use of the sustaining pedal is to encouraged in the accompanying piano part although pedal markings are not indicated in the score. So much can be learnt about playing difficult pieces by playing easy pieces and this movement is a case in point. This ensemble piece has been included in the PlentyMusic Concert Hall area of study. There is the option of slowing down at the end although this is probably only appropriate when the tempo is 100 or more beats to the minute. There are some lovely Spanish music references through the use of the phrygian mode in the section from bars 76 to bar 84. Paganini (1782 – 1840) is a unique and quite captivating figure in the history of music who influenced many romantic composers inspiring many to write for the piano as he did for the violin. His music and particularly his virtuoso approach has been the inspiration for compositions by many other composers including Schumann, Chopin, Liszt, Rachmaninov amongst others. He was the outstanding violinist of his age and in addition was an excellent guitarist although his performances on this instrument were shared with friends rather than the public. He also left a teaching legacy as well as his compositions and a well-documented and renowned performance history. Close
Added: 26th January, 2021 11:01 AM |
Views : 2247
This is music worthy of attention and an excellent movement for a keyboard player keen to make progress. The repeating section has been written out si Show More...
This is music worthy of attention and an excellent movement for a keyboard player keen to make progress. The repeating section has been written out simply for clarity as far as reading the music is concerned. In some editions there is a repeat of the opening 12 bar section but in performance this does rather spoil the symmetry of the movement. The music is presented in a plain score format with minimal score detail. Rameau was a leading French composer of both opera and harpsichord music and also known as a music theorist publishing a Treatise on Harmony in 1722. His music was largely out of fashion by the end of the 18th but there is a renewed interest in his music with recent performances and recordings. Interestingly he didn’t start composing opera until he was in his 50’s. He was one of the masters of 18th century French school of harpsichordists, publishing collections in 1706, 1724 and 1727. This particular movement comes from one of the suites from the 1724 collection. Whilst his keyboard music was intended for the harpsichord in more recent times it is frequently performed on the piano and there are transcriptions of movements available for the organ. The music editions available do generally relate to performances on the harpsichord and these generally have ornaments played in both hands which is something not so common in piano music. The rondeau is a form derived from early French poetry which was shared with the chanson (song form) in the medieval and Renaissance times. It features a repeating refrain (or chorus) and something in time that was adopted in both dance and instrumental forms. The form of this particular movement can be represented as ABACADA with A representing the repeating refrain. The fact that there are different numbers of bars in each of the phrases is most likely a connection to the poetry structure of earlier times. The piano version plays back at 96 dotted quarter notes to the minute. There are many recordings of this movement including one or two which are quite free in their interpretation particularly of the repeating refrain section turning it almost into an improvisation. Close
Added: 15th January, 2021 09:01 AM |
Views : 2384
In a performance context the Gigue en rondeau No.1 would be followed by Gigue en rondeau No.2. The two Gigue en rondeau from Rameau’s Suite in E min Show More...
In a performance context the Gigue en rondeau No.1 would be followed by Gigue en rondeau No.2. The two Gigue en rondeau from Rameau’s Suite in E minor from his 1724 collection are excellent movements for a keyboard player to explore. The repeating sections have been written out simply for clarity as far as reading the music is concerned. In some editions there is a repeat of the opening 8 bar section but in a performance this does rather spoils the symmetry of the movement. The music is presented in a plain score format with minimal score detail and ornamentation has been deliberately omitted. Rameau was a leading French composer of both opera and harpsichord music and also known as a music theorist publishing a Treatise on Harmony in 1722. His music was largely out of fashion by the end of the 18th but there is a renewed interest in his music with recent performances and recordings. Interestingly he didn’t start composing opera until he was in his 50’s. He was one of the masters of 18th century French school of harpsichordists, publishing collections in 1706, 1724 and 1727. Whilst his keyboard music was intended for the harpsichord in more recent times it is frequently performed on the piano and there are transcriptions of many movements available for the organ. The music editions available do generally relate to performances on the harpsichord and these generally have ornaments played in both hands which is not something so common in piano music. The rondeau is a form derived from early French poetry which was shared with the chanson (song form) in the medieval and Renaissance times. It features a repeating refrain (or chorus) and something in time that was adopted in both dance and instrumental forms.
The form of this particular movement can be represented as ABACA with A representing the repeating refrain or chorus. The piano version plays back at 84 dotted quarter notes to the minute. Close
Added: 15th January, 2021 09:01 AM |
Views : 2374
The Keyboard Sonata in D minor K.417 is a Fuga and can be performed on either the harpsichord, organ or piano and is believed to date from 1754. It is Show More...
The Keyboard Sonata in D minor K.417 is a Fuga and can be performed on either the harpsichord, organ or piano and is believed to date from 1754. It is composed in a style that refences the past and the notation in long notes imitates the style of writing associated particularly with the polyphonic lines of church music. It has some beautiful soaring lines and is a great piece of music for both the player and listener. Domenico Scarlatti did not compose many fugues and whilst he worked in relative isolation his compositional approach anticipates and looks to the future rather than the past. His father, Alessandro was the one more inclined to compose fugues. The organ realisation plays back at 84 half note beats to the minute. Domenico Scarlatti although born in Italy spent most of his working life employed by the Royal Courts in Portugal and Spain working as a musician, composer and teacher particularly of members of the royal household. His contribution to the repertoire are his 550+ keyboard sonata most of which are very inventive pieces in AB binary form. Little of his music was published in his own lifetime. Close
Added: 7th September, 2020 09:09 AM |
Views : 3840
The Sinfonias of J.S. Bach are three voiced works and can be played on either the harpsichord, piano or organ. There are 15 in the collection all of w Show More...
The Sinfonias of J.S. Bach are three voiced works and can be played on either the harpsichord, piano or organ. There are 15 in the collection all of which explore contrapuntal writing to the full. Bach’s intention was to prepare students for composition and a cantabile style of playing. The autograph copy of the Sinfonia’s is dated 1723. The organ realisation plays back at a tempo of 80 quarter note beats to the minute. The Two Part Inventions and Sinfonias are essential repertoire for all keyboard players and not a bad introduction to playing Bach on the organ. They are ideal “warm up” pieces. Close
Added: 7th September, 2020 07:09 AM |
Views : 3044
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic. Cadential preparation is a strong feature and because is a relatively familiar keyboard work pianists will need to ensure that it has been well prepared before a performance.
The realisation plays back at 96 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many play it faster and interestingly it is an invention without ornaments. Avoid playing the movement too loudly and keep a lightness in the hands.
Remember that music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly.
Keyboard players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections.
Keyboard players will need to keep a lightness in the hands if they are to play the movement at tempo. Fingers will also need to be close to the keys. Fingering choices dependent on the direction in which the fingers and hands are moving also has a context with this particular invention.
An uplifting and appealing invention giving keyboard players the opportunity to combine legato and detached or staccato playing. Keyboard players are in familar territory both with the harmonic outline or key journey and the compositional processes used
This invention generally invites more of a consistent approach and vision which is suggested and supported by the recordings available.
Again it is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what really are considered to be learning pieces.
The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 7th September, 2020 07:09 AM |
Views : 3284
There are recordings of this work played on the piano, organ and harpsichord of this fine 4 part fugue now attributed to Gottlieb Muffat. Gottlieb Muf Show More...
There are recordings of this work played on the piano, organ and harpsichord of this fine 4 part fugue now attributed to Gottlieb Muffat. Gottlieb Muffat (1690 – 1770) the son of George Muffat was a court organist and composer in Vienna becoming first organist on the accession of Maria Theresa to the throne in 1741. His compositional output mostly comprises keyboard music although much of it was not published. Toccatas, fugues, ricerare, canzonas and suites are to be found in his music collections and Handel often borrowed and reworked Muffat’s music. Muffat was a fine contrapuntist although a conservative approach is evident in his writing. This piece is often attributed to G. Frescobaldi. The chromatic element of this movement makes it a challenge to read and to complicate matters performances and sheet music copies of the music do vary in their detail. Players need to study the score carefully because at times the musical lines have conflicting accidentals. This is explained by the composer referencing the modes that originate in music from earlier times that createwhat are known as “false relations.” There is an arrangement by Bartok of this Fugue for piano although at the time ihe understood it to be a work by Frescobaldi. There need to be clarity in the articulation of the lines particular when the fugal entries are made. A tempo in the range 72 – 84 quarter note beats to the minute is suggested whilst in the realisation and video score play back at 80 quarter note beats to the minute. One of the challenges for the player is deciding which hand plays which notes in the middle voices. The music editor will upload an edited music score to the website in the future. Players also need to communicate an awareness of the musical texture in their playing. The trills begin on the note and modern performances often features additional ornaments although the music editor advises caution and consistency in their use. There are strong rhythmic motifs in the fugue and any ornamentation should not detract from the composer’s intention. There are performances that suggest that the performance practice for music of this period is not as secure as music from more well researched times. Another challenge for musicians is understanding the pitch element in the music of the period. The tuning fork was invented in 1711 and the suggestion is that the pitch standard during the Baroque period was roughly a semitone layer than modern standard pitch of A4 = 440Hz. A4 in the Baroque period was = 415Hz although pitch levels did vary around Europe. The chromatic element is a particular feature and there is a unifying downwards chromatic line that appears a number of times. Close
Added: 7th September, 2020 07:09 AM |
Views : 2993
A very attractive piece for organ or harpsichord just 56 bars in length but featuring strong musical shapes that explores the full range of the organ Show More...
A very attractive piece for organ or harpsichord just 56 bars in length but featuring strong musical shapes that explores the full range of the organ manual. A tempo in the range 84 – 96 quarter note beats to the minute is suggested with the realisation playing back at 84 quarter note beats to the minute. The movement can be played on a one manual instrument with an 8 foot stop suggested as an appropriate registration. Imitation, the use of sequence and repetition are compositional processes that feature with the full range of the keyboard being explored. The descending musical shapes and motifs need to be clearly articulated particularly at the beginning of phrases. There are 12 ornaments indicated in the score. The upper mordent note /note above/note is used on short notes while the trill is in place on notes a quarter note (crotchet) in length. As the movement progresses the texture becomes more complex and ornaments become less evident in the score. The video score which can be viewed on the YouTube channel has all the ornaments written out whilst the sheet music score has symbols in place. Ornamentation in music performance is a complex topic and additional ornaments could be added at important cadence points. The music editor argues the case for clarity and simplicity suggesting that ornaments are added when the movement can be played competently. Note that rests in silent voices are used rather inconsistently. The music editor has found recordings of this music where it has been attributed to A. Scarlatti. As music was hand copied and often shared between teachers and pupils this is a frequent occurrence in music from these early times. Domenico Zipoli (1688-1726) was an Italian Baroque composer who lived and worked as a Jesuit priest in South America. Born in Prato, near Florence he studied with Alessandro Scarlatti and Bernardo Pasquini and in Rome produced in 1716 a collection of keyboard pieces titled Sonate d’intavolatura per organo e cimbalo which includes this particular canzona. This music is still highly regarded and playable by an intermediate level player. Close
Added: 27th August, 2020 08:08 AM |
Views : 3751
In this arrangement for solo piano of Moszkowski’s Spanish Dance No. 2 Opus 12 (by the composer) the realisation plays back at 135 quarter note (cro Show More...
In this arrangement for solo piano of Moszkowski’s Spanish Dance No. 2 Opus 12 (by the composer) the realisation plays back at 135 quarter note (crotchet) beats a minute in the first and last A section and 144 in the middle B section. The first section could be played at a slower or quicker tempo and likewise the middle section. The movement needs to be played with a one in a bar feel and features the triplet figuration that is so characteristic of Spanish music. Players should endeavour to communicate the charm and intimacy of the music whilst the melody and accompaniment need to be articulated with clarity and consistency. The movement is in ABA ternary form and has a regular 8 bar phrase structure. In fact each of the main sections are in ternary form so analysis of the movement reveals a structure that can be represented as A (a b a) B (c d c) A (a b a). Octave transpositions are in place where appropriate and chord voicings in the accompaniment have been occasionally edited. Tempo rubato is something that can be embraced in a performance but has not been used in the realisation and playback. Similarly, the sustaining pedal can be used although its use is not indicated in the sheet music score. The slowing downs that feature at the end of phrases are also not marked in the score. This is music intended for performance in the early 20th century drawing room. This colourful movement exists in several chamber and orchestral arrangements. Moszkowski is a composer whose brilliant piano pieces in particular are worthy of attention although much of the music is technically very challenging. Close
Added: 26th August, 2020 17:08 PM |
Views : 1978
This is J.S. Bach’s transcription of the first movement from A. Marcello’s oboe concerto. Bach was a great copier of music making it suitable for Show More...
This is J.S. Bach’s transcription of the first movement from A. Marcello’s oboe concerto. Bach was a great copier of music making it suitable for performance on the organ. Bach’s version dates from 1715. The score is marked Andante spiccato. Spiccato is a reference to a type of staccato and bowing technique on a string instrument. There is much to be learnt about the baroque concerto playing this movement and the terms frequently associated with the music all have a context. Tutti (all) ritornello (a recurring passage / theme / refrain) ripieno (whole group) concertino (solo group) episode (a musical section or passage that is not the theme). A competent performance of this movement should demonstrate that the player has a clear understanding of both the structure and texture. Remember that Bach’s keyboard transcription was originally an orchestral work. Ornaments featured in the movement are presented simply and consistently. Keyboard players will find many variants in terms of their frequency and their interpretation. Listen to recordings and copy the best of modern practice is the best advice. When learning the piece the music editor suggests omitting the ornaments. The piano sheet music score available from the PlentyMusic website has the symbols for the ornaments in place which understandably gives the score more visual clarity. Players may wish to review the use of ornaments in the light of their own listening and study. Ornaments always need to played rhythmically with clarity and consistency. The piano realisation plays back at 84 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The ornaments have been written out in the piano video score available to view on our YouTube channel. Pianists need to approach a lightness in the hands and the music editor suggests a dry acoustic with minimal use of the sustaining pedal. Clarity in the articulation of every note is the challenge in playing the music of J. S. Bach. As is the custom with the notation of baroque music there is very little score detail but understandably as the piano invites dynamic shading there is scope for interpretation and nuance in a performance. The movement ends with a Tierce de Picardy aka a Picardy third. This is essentially refers to the use of a major chord at the end of a piece in the minor key. Close
Added: 7th August, 2020 10:08 AM |
Views : 2782
This is J.S. Bach’s transcription of the second movement from A. Marcello’s oboe concerto. Bach was a great copier of music often making it suitab Show More...
This is J.S. Bach’s transcription of the second movement from A. Marcello’s oboe concerto. Bach was a great copier of music often making it suitable for performance on the organ. This is a keyboard arrangement of an oboe concerto attributed to the Venetian composer A. Marcello although Bach understood it to be a work by Vivaldi. J.S.Bach’s arrangement dates from 1715. It is work that is can be performed on the piano, organ and harpsichord. Careful reading of the score is required because of the numerous accidentals and the rhythmic accuracy that is required to play this movement as notated. The eighth note chordal accompaniment is very helpful in assisting accurate positioning of the notes. Playing a slow movement in a sustained and controlled way is a challenge and requires a different intensity than playing a movement in a moderate tempo. The realisation or video plays back at a tempo of 63 eighth note (quaver) beats to the minute although a tempo range from 60 to 66 eighth (quaver) notes to the minute is appropriate for the movement. and the ornaments are written out in full so what you see in the score is exactly what you hear. The sheet music music available from the PlentyMusic website has the symbols for the ornaments in place which understandably gives the score more visual clarity. The ornament markings in the sheet music score can be cross referenced with the video score and obviously with other recordings of the work. Players may wish to review the use of ornaments in the light of their own listening and study. Ornaments need to played rhythmically with clarity and consistency. There are a number of different ornaments that feature in the score. The music editor suggests omitting the ornaments win the early stages of learning the movement. The ornamentation in the realisation reflects current performance practice. The movement ends with a Tierce de Picardy aka a Picardy third. This is essentially refers to the use of a major chord at the end of a piece in the minor key. Close
Added: 30th July, 2020 07:07 AM |
Views : 3332
This is a keyboard arrangement of an oboe concerto attributed to the Venetian composer A. Marcello although Bach understood it to be a work by Vivaldi Show More...
This is a keyboard arrangement of an oboe concerto attributed to the Venetian composer A. Marcello although Bach understood it to be a work by Vivaldi. J.S.Bach’s arrangement dates from 1715.It is work that is performed on the piano, organ and harpsichord. The organ realisation of this the Third Movement: Presto plays back at 56 dotted quarter note beats to the minute and the repeat is not played. In the video score the ornaments are written out in full. Additional ornaments can be added at the performer’s discretion. The music editor suggests listening to available recordings of this work before making a judgement about possible additions that could be made.Bach’s arrangement is mostly written in two parts is an excellent piece for a pianist to consider playing on the organ.The realisation utilises an 8’ Principal from a sample set. In a performance the organist could explore an alternative registration on the repeats. Close
Added: 24th July, 2020 09:07 AM |
Views : 2953
This is a concise and dramatic movement and representative of the compositional style of Beethoven around 1800 whilst the movement itself dates from 1 Show More...
This is a concise and dramatic movement and representative of the compositional style of Beethoven around 1800 whilst the movement itself dates from 1803. The score is marked Presto and the realisation plays back at 108 dotted half note (minim) beats to the minute. The music needs to be played with a sense of one in a bar. The repeats are also played in the realisation and the music editor suggests that they should be played as the piece is being studied. Much can be learnt about Beethoven’s craft as a composer from this relatively short movement. Slow very accurate playing is needed in the first instance before building up to performance tempo. It is an excellent piece to evaluate and improve piano technique. It is a type of piece that a pianist needs to return to every once and a while both to refresh and improve. Much of the movement needs to be played with a lightness in the hands. The edited sheet music score has suggested fingering in place. The sustaining pedal is used in some of the sections and the music editor suggests a change of pedal with each change of harmony. Close
Added: 22nd July, 2020 09:07 AM |
Views : 3017
The second movement Andante from Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C is an intermediate level piano solo and an excellent piece to play for those seeking to deve Show More...
The second movement Andante from Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C is an intermediate level piano solo and an excellent piece to play for those seeking to develop their legato playing in the context of a slow movement.
Playing a slow movement does require emotional range and they are often more difficult to play than musicians imagine when compared to say a minuet and trio and a moderate tempo. This slow movement needs to be played with a clear awareness of the 6/8 timing which needs to be communicated in the playing. The rhythmic detail requires particular attention whilst the melody clearly needs to sing out over the accompaniment. The repeats are played in the realisation. The use of the piano sustaining pedal is recommended and has been notated in just the first line of the sheet music score although its use is required for the whole movement. The convention when playing a repeated note in classical music is often to change the finger used and keyboard players may wish to develop this technique in this movement. A plain score is appended to the edited sheet music score enabling players to edit in their own choice of fingering and pedal markings. Close
Added: 8th July, 2020 11:07 AM |
Views : 2778
The “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” is a very popular piece and is often used as a wedding processional.
This shortened version has just 36 bars a Show More...
The “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba” is a very popular piece and is often used as a wedding processional.
This shortened version has just 36 bars and lasts for just over a minute which is often long enough for the purposes of most weddings. The sounding key of the organ arrangement is G major whilst the realisation plays back at a tempo of 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Three registrations are suggested and used in the realisation and are suggested for a performance. There is also a piano score attached to the organ score as the music can be quite satisfactorily played on the manuals. Playing the full version is quite a challenge because of the key changes which make closing off the music in the context of a wedding rather unpredictable and often not easy. The sinfonia was originally scored for two oboes and strings and comes from Act III of Handel’s oratorio “Solomon.” The title the was given to the Sinfonia by Sir Thomas Beecham possibly in the 1930’s. Close
Added: 30th June, 2020 10:06 AM |
Views : 3454
A very familiar piano piece known as “Für Elise” and sometimes described as Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 although it is actually in rondo form. In Show More...
A very familiar piano piece known as “Für Elise” and sometimes described as Bagatelle in A minor WoO 59 although it is actually in rondo form. Interestingly it is a piece that was not published until 40 years after the composer’s death. As a popular piece with some sections invitingly straightforward and others more challenging to play it is a movement that is frequently played badly. Counting and communicating the beats to the bar particularly in the tricky octave sections is essential if the timing is to be accurate. The realisation is lacking in tonal contrast. The movement needs to be played with a lightness in the hands which means that it shouldn’t be played too loudly. The performer needs to aim to communicate the simplicity of the music which actually is quite a rare quality in Beethoven’s music. The realisation is a little bit stiff and lacks fluidity especially in the statement and of the opening motif/shape and its many repetitions. The player has the opportunity to linger a little more than is demonstrated in the playback whilst always suggesting a one beat to the bar feel in the music. The music editor suggests the use the sustaining pedal and its use is indicated in the first section of the sheet music score. The bass line from bar 81 is an opportunity for pianists to use different fingers on the repeating notes and the music editor suggests the players write in their own fingering choices. For those wanting clarity on how to play the turn in bar 51 the music editor suggests looking at the video score on our YouTube channel. Click the link on the home page of the website. The music editor has not made use of repeat signs which is an option that could have been used in the first part of the movement
Beethoven expanded the musical forms of the classical period. He also is an important link between the classical and the subsequent romantic age. As a composer he was especially interested in process and the exploration of musical ideas. Für Elise is also a romantic work in the sense that it invites a strong emotional response from both players and listeners. Close
Added: 18th June, 2020 12:06 PM |
Views : 3581
The third movement from Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C is an intermediate level piano solo and an excellent piece to play for those seeking to acquire the p Show More...
The third movement from Kuhlau’s Sonatina in C is an intermediate level piano solo and an excellent piece to play for those seeking to acquire the piano technique needed to play classical music competently. This is a typical last movement of a sonatina or sonata in that it is light in mood and in rondo form. A rondo is a movement with a recurring theme and the structure can be represented by the letters ABACAB + a closing section or coda. For those who persevere in managing to play the movement competently there are many pieces waiting to be played from the classical repertoire. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Playing at this tempo does require lightness in the hands. This is perfect music for the piano with both themes and accompaniment perfectly suited to being articulated on the piano. The sustain pedal is may be used but its use is not indicated in the sheet music score. Friedrich Kuhlau (1786 – 1832) was a Danish composer and pianist of the late Classical and early Romantic time who along with a group of composers that includes Muzio Clementi (1752 -1832), Jan L. Dussek (1760 – 1812) and others composed piano music that is has become essential repertoire for the growing pianist. Close
Added: 13th June, 2020 12:06 PM |
Views : 3013
Duet No.3 BWV 804 in G major is an appealing work with a light, dance like character. It is an intermediate level performance piece reminiscent of the Show More...
Duet No.3 BWV 804 in G major is an appealing work with a light, dance like character. It is an intermediate level performance piece reminiscent of the composers Two Part Inventions. The Duet does present a number of score reading challenges for the player even though the music is conceived in two parts. The 4 Duets are part of Clavier-Übung III or the German Organ Mass and composed really at the zenith of the composer’s contrapuntal writing. The edited music score has suggested fingering which may serve as a useful guide to how the movement is studied in the first instance. The music editors concept is that once familiarised with the movement that players will make use of the plain score perhaps substituting their own choice of fingering where they feel it is appropriate. The time signature is in 12/8 and the piano realisation plays back at a tempo of 60 dotted quarter note beats to the minute. There are many fine performances of this movement on several different types of keyboard instrument that are worth exploring. Close
Added: 13th June, 2020 11:06 AM |
Views : 2949
Froberger’s Canzona No.5 is a work performed on both the organ and harpsichord. It is composed in three section ABC each being independent of the ot Show More...
Froberger’s Canzona No.5 is a work performed on both the organ and harpsichord. It is composed in three section ABC each being independent of the other. The music is conceived in 4 lines and imitation is a featured compositional process. The realization plays back at 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute in the A section, 76 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute in the B section and 80 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute in the final C section. When playing through the movement some thought does need to be given to the sharing of the lines between the two hands. There are moments in the score when there is tonal/modal ambiguity in the score. False relation is in evidence in the writing. This movement is evidence that the tonal system was not fully established and in place.
The thematic ideas in all three sections are of a lively and uplifting character. The tempo is much slower at the cadence points at the end of the three section. Cadence points also offer an opportunity for ornamentation that needs to be appropriate style. The music is conceived in 4 parts and where a part is not being sounded rests also indicated in the score. When played on a two manual organ the A+C section can be played on one manual and the B section on another. 8 ft stops would be an appropriate choice for the registration. Johann Jacob Froberger (1616 – 1667) was a German baroque composer, harpsichordist and organist particularly remembered for creating and developing the keyboard suite. The composer generally would not allow his music to be published so only his patrons and friends were familiar with his music. As recently as 2006 an autographed manuscript of his music was discovered. He was a pupil of Frescobaldi and spent time living and working in Vienna. Close
Added: 31st May, 2020 12:05 PM |
Views : 2877
The three part Fugue in G BuxWV 175 originates as an organ work but readily transcribes as music that can be played on the piano. It is a movement fea Show More...
The three part Fugue in G BuxWV 175 originates as an organ work but readily transcribes as music that can be played on the piano. It is a movement featuring much imitation in the three lines of music. It is also divided into three sections and is more canzona than fugue. The music needs to be played very evenly with a lightness of touch. Entries of the subject in the voices need to be stated clearly. The challenge in playing music in this style is creating space and communicating the intentions and formal shape of the music. The playback tempo in the realisation is 72 quarter note beats to the minute but the movement can be played at a quicker tempo if preferred. There is minimal score detail in the sheet music score as is the convention with music from this era. The music editor also suggests listening to some of the organ versions that exist readily accessible on streaming media. Buxtehude 1637 – 1707 was an important compose of the mid-baroque period and an important influence on J. S. Bach, G.F. Handel and G. P. Telemann. Whilst described as a German composer he considered to be Danish himself though the place he was born is now in Sweden! His place of work from 1668 was St. Mary’s Church, (Marienkirche) Lübeck and apart from his vocal music composed for church contexts there is a substantial amount of music for organ including preludes, toccatas and fugues, chorale settings and pieces based on repeating bass lines or ostinatos. It is worth exploring music originally intended for the organ and harpsichord performance on the piano. Alan Feinberg’s CD “Fugal State” and Francesco Tristano “Long Walk” are two contemporary collections that include the keyboard music of Buxtehude played on the piano. Close
Added: 28th April, 2020 06:04 AM |
Views : 2035
Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829 – 1869) was an American composer and pianist born in New Orleans who spent most of his performing career touring and g Show More...
Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829 – 1869) was an American composer and pianist born in New Orleans who spent most of his performing career touring and giving concerts. He was often referred to as the greatest pianist from the “New World” whilst Chopin, Liszt and Alkan were great admirers of his talent. His compositions established him as one of the first identifiable American composers. In his music it is possible to hear a mix of American creole, African-American and European music traditions. His early works in particularly are imbued with the sounds that he heard in his youth in Louisiana . The syncopated nature of his music anticipates many of the characteristics of later American ragtime and jazz music. Manchega originates as a concert étude for piano – an etude in music is a study. Such movements are intended to improve and demonstrate piano technique and in the context of the original arrangement was intended to demonstrate his virtuoso playing. This is an intermediate level arrangement with the playback tempo of the realisation being 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. The movement in ABA (Ternary form) which was very much the standard form during the romantic period. Composers needed to follow the conventions of their time to ensure the patterns of their music were readily recognized by audiences. The A section is in Eb and the B section in Gb. The repeat does not sound in the playback. There has been some re-scoring but not re-writing of the original material. This is an excellent piece for developing 3 v 2 playing which is such a characteristic element of Spanish and music based on Spanish models. The music editor suggests practicing the music slowly in the first instance so that all rhythmic shapes and patterns in and shared between the hands are secure. The use of the sustaining pedal is recommended but is not indicated in the score. In bar 34 players are required to play both a Cb and a C natural. Gottschalk’s piano writing more than suggests the influence of Chopin. As the repetitive element in the movement is strong there is an opportunity to explore articulation, tonal range and dynamics in a performance. The music editor suggests that this movement along with much of Gottschalk’s music is worth discovering particularly in arrangements where the playing level allows ready access to the music. Close
Added: 6th April, 2020 11:04 AM |
Views : 1474
Although only 54 bars long the piece has great emotional and musical range making it an ideal assessment piece. For the pianist the challenge is to co Show More...
Although only 54 bars long the piece has great emotional and musical range making it an ideal assessment piece. For the pianist the challenge is to communicate the melody of the song with as much of the intended accompaniment as possible. In the transcription there has been some necessary editing of the chords and the technique of crossing hands will need to be explored by the keyboard player to ensure legato playing of the melody. The repeating elements add unity to the song which has strong rhythmic and melodic shapes. Whilst there is a clearly evident phrase structure there are some overlapping phrases and the occasionally musical link which the pianist will need to take into consideration during a performance. This arrangement keeps close to the composer’s original version of the song. There is a considerable amount of score detail and it is an excellent piece for developing controlled and quality of tone in solo playing. Pianists will need to make use of the sustaining pedal whilst the off-beat or syncopated chords in the accompaniment add to the intensity of the music. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 90 quarter notes or crotchet beats to the minute. None but the Lonely Heart originates as a song dating from 1869 coming from the composer’s Opus 6 collection. The poetry was written by the German romantic poet Goethe and subsequently translated into Russian. The music editor recommends reading a translation of the text although the clear message in the poem is an expression of loneliness. Songs are understandably often arranged in different keys and two versions are available in the pdf download the first in Eb and the second in D. Close
Added: 3rd January, 2020 14:01 PM |
Views : 2120
Puccini’s Piccolo Valzer dates from 1894 and but was revisited by the composer becoming Musetta’s Waltz “Quando me n’vo” in Act II of the op Show More...
Puccini’s Piccolo Valzer dates from 1894 and but was revisited by the composer becoming Musetta’s Waltz “Quando me n’vo” in Act II of the opera “La Boheme.” It is interesting to play this waltz melody as a piano piece and the music editor suggests a Moderato tempo rather than Lento. The composer was inspired to write the work after a boat trip fishing on the lake close to his home. The playing instruction con ondulazione is a reference to ripples on the water. Pianists need to avoid playing with too heavy a touch and the sustaining pedal needs to be used or else the playing may sound on the lumpy side. This is marked in the sheet music score and be ready for some rather quick pedalling changes. The realisation plays at 94 quarter note beats to the minute. There is opportunity for the music to ebb and flow in respect to the tempo and the tempo rubato is a reference to this type of playing. There is some wonderful harmonic writing in this ternary form ABA work but avoid any exaggerated playing and aim to communicate the simplicity and beauty of the melody. Close
Added: 13th December, 2019 09:12 AM |
Views : 2759
Elite Syncopations is one of Scott Joplin best ragtime compositions. If you are not sure how to approach the playing of Joplin’s music listen to th Show More...
Elite Syncopations is one of Scott Joplin best ragtime compositions. If you are not sure how to approach the playing of Joplin’s music listen to the composers own whose remastered piano rolls which are an excellent source of clarifying how this style of music should be performed. A tempo of 78 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended in this arrangement for intermediate level piano which also has suggested fingering in place. The music sounds key in the original key of C. Close
Added: 12th December, 2019 22:12 PM |
Views : 2449
This piano prelude dates from 1897. Whilst Scriabin was famous and his importance recognised in his lifetime his music has been largely ignored and fo Show More...
This piano prelude dates from 1897. Whilst Scriabin was famous and his importance recognised in his lifetime his music has been largely ignored and forgotten since his death. His musical language is frequently extremely chromatic and dissonant whilst his early works can be described as belonging to the late romantic period in music history and are essentially tonal works. Many of his preludes and short works are both beautiful and challenging pieces of music and are deserving of more attention and being played. This particularly piece has been popularised by the American group the Punch Brothers on their album Phosphorescent Blues. As a young composer Scriabin was influenced by Chopin but in his later life he became pre-occupied with mysticism and theosophy in time becoming identified as a symbolist composer. Close
Added: 15th November, 2019 09:11 AM |
Views : 1755
When The Saints Go Marching In arranged for intermediate level solo piano or keyboard in the key of C. The challenge for the piano/keyboard player is Show More...
When The Saints Go Marching In arranged for intermediate level solo piano or keyboard in the key of C. The challenge for the piano/keyboard player is to keep the melody line singing out over the accompaniment. The playback tempo is 100 half note or minim beats to the minute whilst the music is notated in cut time. Traditional American music songs such as “When The Saints Go Marching In” are excellent pieces for developing an understanding of the style elements associated with the performance of 20th century popular music. There is opportunity for players to explore the arrangement - the bass line played by the pianist keyboard player is open to being played with some rhythmic variation particularly during the playing of the repeat sections. Many melodies and lyrics that are recognised as spirituals are often a synthesis of several songs that had their origins as work songs before, during and after the American Civil War. Songs sung from the 1850’s and onwards were perhaps published around 1918 and then first recorded in the 1920’s. The history of the song is well documented and many there are performances to be discovered embracing a range of styles and different types of performing group. Chords have also been indicated in the score as is the convention in popular music. Close
Added: 13th August, 2019 17:08 PM |
Views : 2120
Domenico Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who whilst a widely travelled musician belongs to the Neapolitan (Naples) school and he is remembe Show More...
Domenico Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who whilst a widely travelled musician belongs to the Neapolitan (Naples) school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music is played on both the piano and the harpsichord and several pieces in more recent times have been transcribed for the classical guitar. The movement marked Adagio ma non troppo requires a legato touch while the realisation plays at a steady 42 quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. The score has been prepared for performance on a piano and the ossia stave has an interpretation provided for the playing of the ornaments in bar 2 although there is option to modify these suggestions which possibly lack some rhythmic flexibility. The repeat of the ornaments in bar 15 should be played as in bar 2. Keyboard players need to have a keen awareness of the eighth note or quaver pulse when they are playing. The repetitive element in the music is strong whilst there is the opportunity to linger at the end of phrases but any exaggeration of the music whether in respect to rhythm, dynamic and melody needs to be avoided. The keyboard sonatas attributed to Cimarosa are short one movement works and any groupings of works in the same key found in recordings are editorial. They are works with appeal and consistent in their quality. The composer’s music is deserving of more attention and the keyboard sonatas are excellent performance pieces. A plain music score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 20th April, 2019 05:04 AM |
Views : 2538
This piece known as Evening in Transylvania and also Evening in the Village is from the composer’s piano collection Ten Easy Pieces. There are two Show More...
This piece known as Evening in Transylvania and also Evening in the Village is from the composer’s piano collection Ten Easy Pieces. There are two original melodies one played slowly with rubato and the other played quickly and in strict time. Essentially whilst working in the folk music idiom Bartok remains loyal to the principle of contrast in music exploring two different ideas. Bartok is always very precise about the articulations that he requires in his music and players need to take notice of the dynamics which are notated in both clefs. The rhythmic purpose of his music is always very strong and whilst delivery of the melody needs to be quite fluid in the rubato section the music nevertheless needs to be delivered with a strong sense of pulse. From bar 42 the music texturally is notated and conceived in four parts. In the realisation the tempo is 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats in the lento rubato sections and 132 quarter note (crotchet beats) beats in the Vivo, non rubato sections. Some pedalling has been indicated in the score but the music editor suggests minimal use as modern instruments are tonally much stronger that those of the composers own time. Bartok considered the piano to be a percussion instrument and as a composer many of his folk music arrangements explore the modal element that is so characteristic of folk music and accompaniments make use of ostinatos. Much of his piano music was composed for teaching purposes and collections such as For Children and Mikrokosmos are well worth exploring. Bartok is one of the greatest 20th century composers and made a significant contribution to the repertoire. As a composer he worked on small canvasses as well as large ones and frequently ideas were transferred from the small to the large. This particular piece was transcribed by the composer into the first of his Hungarian Sketches for orchestra. He was Hungarian by birth and was important collector of folk music and one of the founders of the relatively new subject of ethnomusicology. He has something in common with Schubert in that both of them were very creative towards the end of their lives. Bartok left Europe in 1940 to settle in the U.S.A. but his health declined and he died from leukaemia in 1945 sadly before many of his concert hall works had become well known and recognised as great works. Close
Added: 25th March, 2019 11:03 AM |
Views : 2238
The Sonata in D by Mateo Albéniz is a binary form (AB) work that is essentially in 6/8 but explores the characteristic 3/4 v 6/8 rhythmic shapes of S Show More...
The Sonata in D by Mateo Albéniz is a binary form (AB) work that is essentially in 6/8 but explores the characteristic 3/4 v 6/8 rhythmic shapes of Spanish music. Often these are explored in adjoining bars and sometimes even in the same bar. It is music of joy and energy more baroque than classical as one would expect from a composer working at a distance from the main centres of European music. As a piano piece it does have something of the lightness of a Mozart movement but coloured with reference to the phyrgian mode that help give the music its Spanish character. The music editor prefers a consistent approach to the playing of the ornaments which have been written out in full in the score and a lightness of touch is essential if rhythmic accuracy is to be communicated. The realisation plays at a tempo of 124 dotted quarter (crotchet) notes to the minute and the repeats are played. Some score detail in respect to phrasing has been indicated in the edited music score whilst a plain score is also attached enabling to add score details as they wish. There are one or two alternative options indicated by the ossia staves and they are in place essentially to draw awareness to inconsistencies that exist in the score. In addition, the music editor could suggest that bars 9 and 13 be mirrored in the closing section at bar 85 and 90 although pianists play the music as notated in the score. Sometimes the left hand is required to play notes that have been notated in the treble clef. Keyboard players who do their listening research will discover that there are options as far as adding additional ornaments in their performances which is perfectly permissible in the repeat sections. Again as in most music of this time it is difficult to find two performers approaching the playing of ornaments in the same way. There are versions of this music for classical guitar and also harp. Close
Added: 3rd March, 2019 18:03 PM |
Views : 2313
Domenico Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who whilst a widely travelled musician belongs to the Neapolitan (Naples) school and he is remembe Show More...
Domenico Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who whilst a widely travelled musician belongs to the Neapolitan (Naples) school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music was played on both the piano and the harpsichord and several pieces have been transcribed for the classical guitar. This short movement requires a legato touch and the realisation plays at 42 dotted quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. The ornaments are played quickly and start on the beat and whilst not indicated in the score some limited use of the sustaining pedal is suggested. From the performance point of view the rhythmic shape of the left hand part needs to be constant. The Siciliana rhythmic shape is best described as a slow lilting pattern in 6/8 or 12/8 time and has proved a popular template since baroque times. It can described as a slow jig. Cimarosa’s keyboard music is well worth investigating although his work still needs to be authenticated. The keyboard sonatas attributed to Cimarosa are short one movement works and any groupings of works in the same key found in recordings are editorial. They are works with appeal and consistent in their quality. There is some suggested fingering on the edited music score whilst a plain score is also appended. Close
Added: 10th February, 2019 16:02 PM |
Views : 2556
Zequinha Abreu was a Brazilian musician and composer and Sururú na Cidade translates as Sururú in the City. The rondo form of Sururú na Cidade can Show More...
Zequinha Abreu was a Brazilian musician and composer and Sururú na Cidade translates as Sururú in the City. The rondo form of Sururú na Cidade can be summarised as Intro A B B A C C A. The realisation plays back at a tempo of 92 quarter note beats to the minute and the repeats are played. The music of Brazil is a fascinating mix of European and African cultures with the Choro or Lament instrumental style having its origins in C19th Rio de Janeiro (Chôrinho = Little Lament). Whilst the inference of the title suggests a style that is sad, pieces can often have a fast and happy rhythms with syncopation, modulations and counterpoint. There are also particularly instruments associated with the performance of this music namely the flute, guitar and a small type of guitar originally from Portugal with 4 strings known as the cavaquino which may play either a melody or a chord rhythm. From the sheet music point of view this is a very concisely notated piece. Some performers play the repeat of the C section at the octave as indicated in the score but this is optional. Close
Added: 4th February, 2019 15:02 PM |
Views : 2273
Ignacio Cervantes was a Cuban composer born in the capital city of Havana in 1847. He had piano lessons with Louis Moreau Gottschalk before travelling Show More...
Ignacio Cervantes was a Cuban composer born in the capital city of Havana in 1847. He had piano lessons with Louis Moreau Gottschalk before travelling to Paris to further his music studies with Charles Valentin Alkan amongst others. This piece originates as a piano solo in the key of Eb whilst the realisation plays at a tempo of 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. Many performers play through the piece twice although no repeat signs are indicated in the score. Much of Cervantes piano music is well suited to being played by a variety of instrument combinations as they are well crafted and have great musical appeal. The habanera rhythmic shape features strongly. A piano version in the key of F is is appended to the Eb score to encourage playing in a range of keys. Close
Added: 27th January, 2019 15:01 PM |
Views : 2667
One of the jewels of music originating as a guitar solo and composed in 1909 by the Mexican composer Manuel Ponce. This is simply beautiful music expl Show More...
One of the jewels of music originating as a guitar solo and composed in 1909 by the Mexican composer Manuel Ponce. This is simply beautiful music exploring the three in a bar, two in a bar rhythmic pattern so characteristicic of Spanish and South American music. Whilst the melody is predominantly diatonic the harmony is chromatic particularly at the start of the second section. The melodic line does need to predominate particularly in the chromatic section from bar 10. There are some ambiguities in the score in respect to tied notes although the music editor has been guided by the guitar copy of the score. The tempo of the realisation is 110 dotted quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute whilst there is opportunity for the tempo to ebb and flow as if the performance is being sung. Close
Added: 18th January, 2019 16:01 PM |
Views : 3011
This is an intermediate level piano arrangement based on the piano and SATB vocal arrangement by the composer. The layout is intended to clarify the Show More...
This is an intermediate level piano arrangement based on the piano and SATB vocal arrangement by the composer. The layout is intended to clarify the voicing of the music. The elements of the piece are a distinctive melody, combined with an accompaniment that is for much of the time figurative in character, the occasional countermelody and bass line. Fauré composed music that references both modal and harmonic scales and this explains the feature known as “false relation” (conflicting accidentals in different voices) which appear in bar 22 and 23 and several other bars. It is music that needs to be played with clarity and dignity and not too quickly. The realisation plays back at 80 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute. If the movement is played too quickly it loses its poise and gracefulness. The music exists in many different arrangements but is probably most familiar in its orchestral version although it started off life as a piano piece in the 1880’s. The trill in the realisation begins on the E# beginning and ending with sixteenth notes as shown in the video score on YouTube although trills are open to being interpreted in different ways. One of the playing challenges is that the same note can be sounded in a different part. The pavane has its origins as a slow processional dance popular in the renaissance period but has since been given a new lease of life by composers including Fauré and Ravel. The music editor suggests limited use of use of the sustaining pedal particularly when the bass notes have a quarter note (crotchet) value. This is an excellent piece for exploring the tonal range of the piano but avoid playing the quieter sections too loudly. Playing the first section from bar 1 – 42 ending on the chord at the beginning of bar 42 works well as a “short version” of the movement. Close
Added: 2nd November, 2018 13:11 PM |
Views : 2780
A theme and 10 variations selected from the set of twenty four published 1770. The writing suggests the music was intended for both the harpsichord an Show More...
A theme and 10 variations selected from the set of twenty four published 1770. The writing suggests the music was intended for both the harpsichord and fortepiano. The editor has selected variations particularly appropriate to the development of piano technique and has avoided including variations which are more baroque in character and suited to being played on the harpsichord. The musical content is both charming and appealing, well suited to developing technical skills and musical memory. The tempo of the theme is played at 76 quarter notes to the minute and generally, the tempo of the variations remains the same with the minor variation possibly played a little slower. The ornamentation is straight forward and the sheet music score has ossia staves with some of the ornaments written out in full. No pedal markings have been notated in the score although some use of the sustaining pedal may be used. This is excellent music for developing keyboard technique and the music editor is surprised that the movement is not more widely known. The German title for this music is Variationen über das lied "ich schlief, da träumte mir”. Close
Added: 12th October, 2018 11:10 AM |
Views : 2690
Louis Moreau Gottschalk was an American composer and pianist who worked mainly outside the U.S.A. Born in New Orleans he travelled to Europe at the ag Show More...
Louis Moreau Gottschalk was an American composer and pianist who worked mainly outside the U.S.A. Born in New Orleans he travelled to Europe at the age of 13 to study music. Much of the early music he composed was based on music he remembered from his childhood in Louisiana where he was exposed to a variety of musical traditions. From the 1860’s he was regarded as the best known pianist from the New World and his talent was recognised by both Chopin and Liszt. A tempo of 100 quarter note beats to the minute is used in the realisation of this intermediate level arrangement of “Le Banjo” which dates from 1853. Whilst the piece needs to be played with a very even tempo with the piano being played quite percussively. The tied notes need to be carefully identified in both the melody and bass line where the acciaccaturas (crushed notes) are used to recreate the “hammer on” technique used by players of fretted instruments. The term Ardito means bold whilst Ben misurato indicates that the music needs to be played in a strict tempo and the term martelltato is an indication that the notes are to be strongly accented. Whilst this is a cut down and simplified version of the work the original in the key of F sharp major is often played by piano virtuosi as an encore. The sustaining pedal hasn’t been indicated in the score but limited use may be considered. The arrangement has been made with the intention of presenting the music as a concert piece for the intermediate player. Close
Added: 22nd September, 2018 07:09 AM |
Views : 2434
This movement is the third and last movement of a sonata published as part of a collection of harpsichord sonatas in 1742. Whilst there is evidence in Show More...
This movement is the third and last movement of a sonata published as part of a collection of harpsichord sonatas in 1742. Whilst there is evidence in the score of its harpsichord origins it is nevertheless a piece very suited to being performed on a modern piano. The counterpoint or combination of lines of music lines is a particularly strong element in the composition. A tempo of 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation although a target of 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is probably a fair target in the first instance. Contemporary performances of the piece generally have the first section repeated and the second section played without a repeat. There is quite an amount of dramatic tension in the music arising from the detached notes and the concise two bar phrasing suggesting at times an almost hushed urgency. The ornaments include trills which start on the note, crushed notes or acciaccaturas and the odd appoggiatura which have sometimes been written out as in bar 7. The ornaments in the section from bar 86 to 91 are best played as crushed notes giving the music a more classical spirit to it although in some scores they are notated as appoggiaturas. The music editor always references contemporary performance practice when preparing scores and favours crushed notes in this instance. As usual the music editor has been very consistent in his approach to ornamentation and advises players to keep matters as simple and straightforward as possible. Keep the trills metrical and the editor suggests that it is best to avoid a triplet ending to the trills although they are inclined to sneak in to ones playing almost unnoticed. Spread chords are a feature and some work is required to sort out the sharing of the work load between the two hands. This is an excellent example of music that is for want of a better description is pre-classical composed in the period between the baroque and classical era. C. P. E. Bach’s music is deserving of being played and listened to more regularly in what is one of the most interesting and fascinating times in music history. The music editor is keen to hear that this piece is being played and would value receiving feedback. Whilst a sheet music score has been prepared as if the piece is a classical work there is a plain score appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 20th May, 2018 15:05 PM |
Views : 2959
A fugue is not strictly a musical form but more a compositional style in which the process of imitation dominates in voices or lines of music describe Show More...
A fugue is not strictly a musical form but more a compositional style in which the process of imitation dominates in voices or lines of music described as counterpoint. Understand that the musical conception is in lines. The realisation plays back at 100 dotted quarter notes to the minute. The music editor suggests that if you have the technique and composure try to get to 110 dotted quarter notes to the minute as the music then really does seem to come alive. The dynamic range of this work is very much determined by the texture which varies from a single voice to four voices in varying combinations. In music of this time the score detail tends to be quite minimal and this score keeps to that practice. Buxtehude’s position in music history has resulted in him being overshadowed by J. S. Bach but Buxtehude composed many fine keyboard works that transcribe well to the piano. This is an uplifting piece to both listen to and play having the rhythmic template of a jig and a “modern” sound attributable to the tonal ambiguities that result from the conflicting accidentals often in different lines of the music. For those interested in finding out more about this look up the term “false relation.” The subject entries need to be clearly articulated and a sense of forward movement needs to be communicated at all times by the piano/keyboard player.
In terms of the music setting there are some indications in the score as to which hand plays which line of the music and the player needs to have a clear understanding of the division of labour between the two hands. Ornaments do not feature in the score but can be added at the performers discretion once a clear understanding of the options have been appreciated from listening and analysing recordings and performances. Close
Added: 14th May, 2018 12:05 PM |
Views : 3102
A dramatic and spirited movement which whilst very different texturally to Beethoven’s music harmonically it does point in his direction. In charact Show More...
A dramatic and spirited movement which whilst very different texturally to Beethoven’s music harmonically it does point in his direction. In character the music is almost a conversational piece although formally it can be described as a rondo which is a piece with a recurring theme. The phrase structure is not particularly regular and there are several changes of mood in the various section although the main thematic motive is always clearly recognisable. The sheet music score has been prepared for the performance on the piano and only limited use of the sustaining pedal is suggested. For clarity the music editor suggests essentially the one ornament shape when performing the work which reflects current practice in the interpretation of music of this period. Too many different ornaments can be distracting both to the performer and listener alike. The opening ornaments are notated on ossia staves and the player should continue with the same shapes through the movement. The slight slowing down appropriate at the ends of the phrases are not marked in the score. There are recordings available of this work played on the modern piano, fortepiano and the harpsichord. C.P.E Bach was a prolific composer and an important transition figure in music history linking the baroque with the classical age in music history. He was very aware of contemporary practice and contributed much to developing style and form although at the same time he was able to remain surprisingly free spirited. C.P. Bach’s music is worthy of attention and for piano players there is a wealth of excellent music for the developing pianist. This work composed in 1786 and published in 1787 comes from period near the end of his life. Close
Added: 14th May, 2018 11:05 AM |
Views : 2998
J.C.F.Bach was the fourth and youngest composing son of J.S.Bach. Many songs in different languages have been based on this familiar French song know Show More...
J.C.F.Bach was the fourth and youngest composing son of J.S.Bach. Many songs in different languages have been based on this familiar French song known as "Ah! vous dirai-je, maman" including "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" and "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep." These set of variations provide an excellent summary of keyboard technique available and used during the late baroque/ early classical period. The score has been prepared for performance on a modern piano. The pianist may want to add some sustaining pedal particularly in Variations 4, 8, 9 and 10 although pedal markings are not indicated in the score. The changing meters does add a complication as to how the bars of music are counted. Understand that each variation has its own tempo. When playing variations don’t think that all variations need to be played at the same tempo. The ornament used in this set of variations is an upper mordent comprising the note, the note above and then the note itself again. Most of the musical content is classical in spirit and the phrase structure is understandably symmetrical which makes it a good piece to memorise. The score also has some suggested fingering. The music editor suggests that when performing the variations it would good idea to choose a selection of the variations to play. Suggested performances patterns could be: Option 1 Theme + Var. 1 + Var. 2 + Var. 3 + Var. 4 + Var. 5 + Var. 9 and for Option 2 Theme + Var. 7 + Var. 8 + Var. 9 + Var. 10 + Var. 11 + Var. 12. Close
Added: 23rd April, 2018 08:04 AM |
Views : 3634
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music Show More...
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music was played on both the piano and the harpsichord whilst many pieces have been transcribed for the classical guitar. Most of his keyboard movements requires a lightness of keyboard touch - the realisation plays at 92 quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. In the hands of a skilled player thoroughly conversant with keyboard style of the period there are opportunities to embellish the melody line and add additional ornaments. The music is full of charm and musical ideas offering the opportunity to develop staccato, staccatissimo and legato playing. The music editor suggests that generally on repeating notes changing the finger used on each note is the best option. Cimarosa’s keyboard music is well worth investigating although authentication of his work is a something yet to be confirmed. Understand that the keyboard sonatas attributed to Cimarosa are short one movement works and any groupings of works in the same key found on recordings are editorial. They are works with appeal and consistent in their quality. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 16th April, 2018 08:04 AM |
Views : 2889
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music Show More...
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music was played on both the piano and the harpsichord whilst many pieces have been transcribed for the classical guitar. This short movement requires a lightness of touch - the realisation plays at 86 quarter (crotchet) beats to the minute. This relatively short movement is music that is full of charm and musical ideas offering the opportunity to develop staccato, staccatissimo and legato playing. The music editor suggests that generally on repeating notes as found in the accompaniment changing the finger used on each note is the best option. However, the fingering patterns can be changed particularly with the running thirds in the last section of the composition. Secure fingering needs to be in place when performing the movement and the best advice or working principle is to avoid the use of the thumb on the black notes especially when playing thirds. Cimarosa’s keyboard music is well worth investigating although authentication of his work is a something yet to be confirmed. Understand that the keyboard sonatas attributed to Cimarosa are short one movement works and any groupings of works in the same key found on recordings are editorial. They are works with appeal and consistent in their quality. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 16th April, 2018 08:04 AM |
Views : 2860
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music Show More...
Cimarosa 1749-1801 was an Italian composer who belonged to the Neapolitan school and he is remembered particularly for his operas. His keyboard music was played on both the piano and the harpsichord and many pieces have been transcribed for classical guitar. The score for the Sonata in C minor and the realisation is a straightforward “translation” of the score. The movement has poise defined very much by the choice of C minor as the key and the quite symmetrical rhythmic shapes and patterns. Many performances of this particularly movement are approached more as a “free translation” in that the figuration is interpreted decoratively and much ornamentally almost to the extent of becoming an improvisation although this was an aspect of continuo playing in the baroque period. Cimarosa’s keyboard music is well worth investigating although authentication of his work is a something yet to be confirmed. The music editor has made bar 11 a two beats to the bar measure. Understand that the keyboard sonatas attributed to Cimarosa are short one movement works and any groupings of works in the same key found on recordings are editorial. They are works with appeal and consistent in their quality. A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 16th April, 2018 08:04 AM |
Views : 3327
A sicilienne is a slow tempo movement usually in a minor key with lilting rhythmic patterns and dotted notes enabling it to be described as a slow jig Show More...
A sicilienne is a slow tempo movement usually in a minor key with lilting rhythmic patterns and dotted notes enabling it to be described as a slow jig. This movement dates from 1893 and exists in several different forms and this is the composer’s own piano arrangement. Music such as this which has been transcribed from an arrangement to be played by a solo piano is a challenge to play because there is much detail that almost becomes hidden in the musical texture. When playing this piece on the piano it is particularly important to know where the melody is located. Fauré’s music possesses subtlety and as a composer he has a great awareness of instrument colour. Careful attention needs to be paid to the reading of accidentals as frequently different voices are sounding in what seem to be conflicting versions of a note. This is attributable to the modal element that it is a strong component of Fauré’s music. Apart from this, attention needs to be made to the reading of the notes and the score detail particularly in respect to knowing which notes are tied. The sustaining pedal is required although this has only been indicated in the opening bars of the score. The pianist has the choice of whether or not to spread the chords in bar 42 and 43. The realisation plays at a tempo of 52 dotted quarter notes to the minute – the music editor’s view is that many performances of the work are played too quickly. Close
Added: 9th April, 2018 12:04 PM |
Views : 2446
This movement is in rondo form which can be represented formally by the letters ABACA - a rondo is a piece with a recurring theme having its origins a Show More...
This movement is in rondo form which can be represented formally by the letters ABACA - a rondo is a piece with a recurring theme having its origins as a dance.Changing the finger on a repeating note is a piano technique that can be usefully explored in this movement if only to give to a lightness to the touch which is required if the movement is to be played at tempo. In fast playing the dynamics also need to be controlled and I would avoid playing the movement too loudly. A performance tempo of 100 quarter note beats to the minute is a good first target. The realisation playback tempo is 144 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute with the repeats for a change played in the realisation. Ornaments and appoggiaturas are written out in the edited music score with trills beginning on the note. Understand that there are several options and solutions available as far as "suggested" fingering is concerned but it is a work in which legato, staccato and staccatissimo touches can be explored. In the repeats gifted and sensitive interpreters of Haydn's music add additional ornaments and figurations whilst possibly varying the dynamic and tempo but all keeping to the musical style. This is an excellent piece for developing musical memory and when possible players should try and put the sheet music aside. The movement composed in the late 1770's has more than a suggestion of the spirit of the composer and his evident humour. A plain score is also appended to the edited sheet music score allowing the player some flexibility in their approach. Close
Added: 19th February, 2018 15:02 PM |
Views : 2559
This is a pianistic and surprisingly technically quite straight forward to play. The main challenge is playing at a consistent tempo in the loud secti Show More...
This is a pianistic and surprisingly technically quite straight forward to play. The main challenge is playing at a consistent tempo in the loud sections. The realisation is plays at 132 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute although it can be played faster!
A very light pianistic touch is required particularly at the tempo that this piece requires. Staccatissimo markings (a very short staccato and an identifiable keyboard touch imitating a plucking action on the keys) have been used in the score together with staccato markings indicating that a short note is to be played.
Some use of the sustaining pedal is suggested particularly when arpeggiated chords are played although this has not been indicated on the score.
The closing section should be played at a steady two beats in the bar feel and needs to be understood as being a link to the second slow movement of the sonata.
This piece is also excellent for developing rotation skills in the wrist and forearm. C.P.E.Bach's favourite keyboard instrument was the clavichord which is a very quiet sounding instrument and it is evident from his considerable output of music that he was a very hard working musician and composer.
The ornaments, apart from the crushed notes or acciaccaturas have been written out in full to add clarity to the score whilst the repeats are not played in the realisation.
The music editor suggests listening to performances of this movement played on different types of keyboard instruments. Close
Added: 29th January, 2018 14:01 PM |
Views : 2622
The tempo indication Allegro con brio is possibly a bit on the strong side for this movement which has character and charm rather than vigour. Scherza Show More...
The tempo indication Allegro con brio is possibly a bit on the strong side for this movement which has character and charm rather than vigour. Scherzando is a direction to play in a playful manner whilst the realisation playback tempo is 110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute with the repeats not played. The realisation is functional but understandably does lack the subtlety that is communicated in a performance. Ornaments and appoggiaturas are written out in the edited music score with trills beginning on the note and having a 5 note shape reflecting current performance practice. Composed in the late 1770's the work that reminds us that Haydn's did possess a sense of humour which is often evident on his music. Understand that there are several options available as far as "suggested" fingering is concerned but it is a work in which legato, staccato and staccatissimo touches can be explored in performance. The thumb is generally avoided on the black notes and there is an opportunity to explore changing the finger on a repeating note.
A source score is appended to the sheet music score allowing the player some flexibility in their approach.
In the repeats gifted and sensitive interpreters of Haydn's music add additional ornaments and figurations whilst possibly varying the dynamic and tempo but all keeping with the musical style. Close
Added: 29th January, 2018 13:01 PM |
Views : 3296
This piece has a misleading title because really it would be better described as a toccata. Keyboard players in the past particularly of small instrum Show More...
This piece has a misleading title because really it would be better described as a toccata. Keyboard players in the past particularly of small instruments like the clavichord were required to tune their instruments before playing them simply because instruments very quickly went out of tune. This is the origin of these "touch" or "tuning" pieces and C.P.E.Bach's Solfeggieto was composed very much in this style. Many of these touch pieces became in the hands of J.S.Bach and others very sophisticated compositions which were written down and described as toccatas. This is C.P.E. Bach's most familiar work and is an excellent piece for encouraging a light touch and dexterity in the fingers. There is a plain score appended to the edited score which the player can use if preferred. Close
Added: 29th January, 2018 11:01 AM |
Views : 2709
October (Autumn Song) is a composition that dates from 1876 and is in ternary form (ABA) work being part of a collection of 12 pieces by the composer Show More...
October (Autumn Song) is a composition that dates from 1876 and is in ternary form (ABA) work being part of a collection of 12 pieces by the composer known as “The Seasons.” This piece requires sensitive but at the same quite controlled playing – exaggerated dynamics and articulations need to be avoided. Many older scores of this work are filled with articulation markings that possibly don’t have the same relevance with modern instruments especially the modern piano. It is quiet melancholy composition of great beauty with some sharing of melodic material between the voices which makes it an excellent ensemble piece and pianists should explore the ensemble options when opportunities arise. Some performers particularly in the triplet passage work at the end of the sections interpret the ties rather liberally. Understand that realisation whilst quite satisfactory does not demonstrate the range of tempo variation needed for a truly convincing performance. Rubato is very applicable when performing this music. The pause mark is also not well represented in the recording as it really needs to be much longer. The small notes do not sound in the playback the realisation. The editor suggests listening to many of the excellent performances of this work. This version has detailed fingering in place. There are no pedal markings on the score but use of the sustaining pedal is recommended and in the edited music score fingering is placed above and below the two staves. Changing the finger on a note is a very useful technique to employ to sustain the legato when performing this music. A plain score of the work is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 15th December, 2017 18:12 PM |
Views : 2160
Borodin was clearly quite an exceptional person known as a doctor and chemist as well as being a member of the Russian group of composers known and po Show More...
Borodin was clearly quite an exceptional person known as a doctor and chemist as well as being a member of the Russian group of composers known and popularized as the “Mighty Handful.” His interest in music was essentially as a hobby but he was very well connected in Russian musical circles and his “Serenade” from the “Petite Suite” was published in 1896. The ostinato pattern that features in the work is an excellent unifying element in the composition and the strong melodic element in this miniature explores quite a melodic range. A tempo of 60 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realization. The music editor suggests use of the piano sustaining pedal although this has not been marked in the score. Pianists and keyboard players will need to spend time analysing the musical texture to understand which notes belong to which musical line of which there are three - melody, harmony and an ostinato accompaniment. This is a simplified version in the original key of B flat minor. Close
Added: 13th December, 2017 20:12 PM |
Views : 2336
In this arrangement for intermediate piano in the key G the realisation tempo is 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute whilst the repeats ar Show More...
In this arrangement for intermediate piano in the key G the realisation tempo is 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute whilst the repeats are not played. What is interesting about performing this piece is the impact of a change of tempo on the musical character and musical outcomes. A tempo of 70 quarter note beats to the minute sounds quite slow and yet 80 quarter note beats to the minute sounds fast. The view of the music editor is to play the piece at the slowest tempo musically possible whilst at the same time exploring the musical shapes which the realisation does rather inadequately. Generally, there is not a great amount of performance detail indicated in ragtime music although where opportunity arises when repeating sections performers need to explore dynamic range. The formal pattern of Joplin’s ragtime pieces generally have the structure of the typical American March which can be represented by letters as I AA BB AA CC DD. Pianists also need to explore the ensemble options that exist with this piece that can be found on this website. Close
Added: 20th November, 2017 16:11 PM |
Views : 2721
A piece that possesses a haunting beauty written by a composer who knew C. P. E. Bach and who in 1794 settled in Moscow. Described as a sonata there Show More...
A piece that possesses a haunting beauty written by a composer who knew C. P. E. Bach and who in 1794 settled in Moscow. Described as a sonata there are recordings featuring both the harpsichord and the piano. A tempo of 80 quarter note beats to the minute has been used in the realisation although the tempo needs to slow down at the approach to cadences. Quite clearly it is impossible to evidence how this music was performed in its own day but the structure would suggest that there would be tempo variations between the sections. The opening 8 bar phrase is repeated three times exploring the range of the instrument before the first of several quasi fantasia / cadenza sections which express music a different mood and benefit from being played at a slightly slower tempo. Performance conventions and articulations clearly differ between the piano and the harpsichord and the music editor suggests listening to different recordings and possibly adding some appropriate ornamentation at the cadences which provide the sectional framework for the structure of the piece. There are ossia staves to clarify some notation issues and provide suggested solutions to the playing of the ornaments. The passage work is at times exquisite and both musically and pianistically anticipates the compositional techniques adopted by later composers. The repeats are not played in the realisation Close
Added: 20th November, 2017 09:11 AM |
Views : 2580
This arrangement for solo piano uses the first theme from the third movement of Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D. The movement is commonly referr Show More...
This arrangement for solo piano uses the first theme from the third movement of Borodin’s String Quartet No. 2 in D. The movement is commonly referred to as “Notturno” meaning night piece and is a very melodic movement and like much of Borodin’s music is very adaptable to being played by a number of different instrument combinations. There are 3 sections in the arrangement – theme, repeat of the theme with a varied and fuller accompaniment and a closing section which can best be be described as a coda. A tempo of 70 quarter note beats to the minute is used in the realisation and there are some octave transposition in the parts whilst the appoggiaturas that appear in the string quartet score have been omitted. Wherever possible material from the original work, which dates from 1881, has been incorporated into the arrangement. score.
The solo piano version does not have the section in canon and consequently texturally the musical is not as complete as it is in the ensemble arrangements. Close
Added: 1st September, 2017 07:09 AM |
Views : 2612
This music originates as a classical French art song which has over the years has been arranged and performed in many different styles and contexts. A Show More...
This music originates as a classical French art song which has over the years has been arranged and performed in many different styles and contexts. A tempo of 45 dotted quarter notes to the the minute is used in the realisation although there a slight speeding up for the piu mosso section. The use of ornamentation is minimal and there are just two which appear in the final section. They are probably best left out during the early stages of learning the piece. The item has been prepared with the intention of it being played as a concert piece by someone in their second year of playing a musical instrument. This is an excellent piece of music to explore the possibilities of performing music slowly as it is easy for instrumentalists to play the melody too quickly. Close
Added: 11th August, 2017 16:08 PM |
Views : 2644
The piece has its origins as a song composed in the key of the key of C minor published in 1878 and is one of the composers most beautiful and popular Show More...
The piece has its origins as a song composed in the key of the key of C minor published in 1878 and is one of the composers most beautiful and popular melodies. This is an excellent piece for developing tonal quality and the melody needs to be played with a singing and expressive legato. A tempo of 56 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute has been used in the realisation which is in the key of D minor. The pianist will need to make use of the sustaining pedal although this is not indicated and the score does require careful study in respect to the reading of the chromatic harmony. Fauré as a pianist and accompanist was very much was regarded as something of a metronome and not considered to be very sympathetic to singers of his songs particularly when they added subtlety and nuance at the end of phrases. It would be beneficial to spend time reading through the lyrics for the song in translation to have a true understanding of the music’s context. For players who would like an additional challenge there is also Percy Grainger arrangement of the song. Close
Added: 24th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2461
This very familiar character piece dating from 1907 was originally composed in standard march form but the musical content has since been rearranged. Show More...
This very familiar character piece dating from 1907 was originally composed in standard march form but the musical content has since been rearranged. In this arrangement intermediate piano in the key of F a tempo of 96 dotted quarter notes is used in the realisation. Pianists have the option of playing a shortened form of the piece ending on the first eighth note (quaver) of bar 88 or playing the repeat section as demonstrated in the realisation. There isn't too much score detail in the arrangement and as the music originates as a march understandably in a performance there is not much variation of the tempo. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2165
Traümerie (Dreaming) was originally a piano work from Robert Schumann's Scenes of Childhood Opus 16 published in 1838. It is a very familiar piece f Show More...
Traümerie (Dreaming) was originally a piano work from Robert Schumann's Scenes of Childhood Opus 16 published in 1838. It is a very familiar piece from the romantic repertoire suited to being played by many instruments as a solo accompanied either by the piano or various forms of ensemble. There are wide tempo variations in performances of the work and I would suggest listening to different solo instruments and piano recordings. The challenge in a performance is to combine the beauty of the melody with a beauty of tone of the instrument which is being played with a sense of space and an understanding of the time elements that exist in music. Understandably because this is a piece of music from the romantic repetoire is a very emotional piece of music which can both be communicated well and also on occasions insensitively. It is excellent piece for broadening performing experience where players need to show sensitivity to the acoustic and the the best performances of this work tend not to be rushed. Players need to linger particularly on the dotted quarter notes (crotchets) and pianists will need to make use of the sustaining pedal. The harmonic language is at times quite chromatic with diminished seventh chords featured. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1971
A joyous and uplifting movement both for the player and the listener. A tempo of 84 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute is suggested and used Show More...
A joyous and uplifting movement both for the player and the listener. A tempo of 84 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute is suggested and used in the realisation. Whilst a performance should not be rushed it also mustn't drag. Listen to performances of this work by different instrument combinations to form a musical picture of how the work should be performed. Look for any repeating patterns in the music as an understanding of the formal patterns will assist players in their performances. Acciaccaturas and in the melody line are notated in the score but are nor realised in the playback scores. Pianists need to experiment with the sustaining pedal to obtain the sound that they want - my personal preference is to pedal on and off on each beat of the bar with some flexibility particularly at cadences. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2281
This is a quite charming and atmospheric salon piece dating from the 1890's suited to being played by a number of different instruments and instrumen Show More...
This is a quite charming and atmospheric salon piece dating from the 1890's suited to being played by a number of different instruments and instrument combinations. It features the habanera pattern in the accompaniment often combined with a colourful melody line notated in triplets. The modal shift to flat 6th is also very suggestive of Spanish music A tempo of 63 quarter notes to the minute is used in the realisation although tempo wise there is scope slowing down and speeding up when it is appropriate and this is reflected in the realisation. This is a an excellent piece for developing sensitive ensemble playing. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2172
A gentle lilting movement with a suggested tempo of 132 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute which is used in the realisation. This piece need Show More...
A gentle lilting movement with a suggested tempo of 132 quarter note beats (crotchet) to the minute which is used in the realisation. This piece needs a needs to be played with a slight speeding up and slowing down of the tempo at appropriate places in the score which is described as tempo rubato and features in much of the best Chopin playing. Understand that the realisation doesn't apply rubato in a totally satisfactory way. The trill in the penultimate bar begins on the lower note and in the realisation 7 notes are sounded. The original piano work does have some additional ornaments which the performer may wish to consider adding after studying the solo piano score. The repeats are also played in the realisation. Note that the piano realisation has additional ornaments that don't feature in the arrangements in which melody is played by a solo instrument. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2015
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A tempo of 48 half notes (mini Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A tempo of 48 half notes (minim) beats to the minute is suggested. As a slow movement there are many interpretations as to how the ornaments are played and the music editor suggests that it would be worthwhile to spend some time listening to recordings of this sonata. Please observe that only the first two notes of four note ornaments have the fingering notated. Remember that the trill and the mordent sign mean essentially the same - if the ornament is cadential then it is likely and possible to have more notes with the tr sign is used. There is also scope for the confident player to add additional ornaments particularly in the playing of the repeats. There are other solutions to playing the ornaments but the ones suggested here keep very much to contemporary performance practice. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) and acciaccaturas (crushed notes) in slow tempo works do presents a challenge as far as the interpretation and function. Music editors do tend to show evidence of an over understanding the interpretation of the ornaments. The best advice is to keep it simple, familiar and current - interpret the best of modern performance practice.The realisation is limited in respect to its interpretation of the score and the repeats are not played. Not too much use sustaining pedal is recommended and a rit. (slowing down) at the end of the two main sections is appropriate. The triplet motive introduced in bar 9 is indicated in the score for a couple of bars and then the symbol is omitted as is the case is conventional music setting. The music in this keyboard sonata possesses beauty and presence and the work should be played with delicacy and clarity. The interpretative qualities of a performance need to perhaps be more flexible than the realisation and limited use of the sustaining pedal is appropriate particularly at the end of sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2719
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A very appealing keyboard sona Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A very appealing keyboard sonata although there are not many recordings of this sonata available. Whilst the composers style is in evidence it is also a work in which a variety of moods are explored. A tempo of 96 half note (mimim) beats to the minute is suggested and used in the realisation. It is a sonata allowing the player to explore options in legato and staccato keyboard articulations. This takes place in the repeat sections. The edited score has articulation and dynamic markings clearly indicated. Interestingly there are interpretations in which the performers improvise around the shapes offering rhythmic variants and something more than just additional ornamentation. This features in the two repeat sections. Observation of how ornaments particularly at cadences are performed suggests that whilst there is a script there is a tendency for performers to become very individual and even extreme in their interpretations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2326
This is an edited music score in that it has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. One of Scarlatti’s easier keyboa Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. One of Scarlatti’s easier keyboard sonatas but nevertheless one that offers plenty of musical and interpretative challenges to the player. It is essentially a two part movement. A tempo of 90 half note beats to the minute is used in the realisation with the repeats not being played. This music needs to be played rhythmically with energy and little use of the sustaining pedal although it can be used in the closing bars of the A and B sections. This is an excellent movement for developing a skill set in terms of being able to articulate the playing of a melody line with a range of keyboard touches - legato, staccato, tenuto etc. There are rits. (slow down) at the end of the A and B sections on the repeats. This sonata like many other Scarlatti works is excellent for developing interpretative skills and performance experience. Varying and adding to the ornamentation in the repeats is an option. Many competent pianists play this relatively easy sonata adding additional music to the to the texture suggesting that in Scarlatti’s time improvisation was an aspect of performance practice. A plain score is also appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2473
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. The melody of this keyboard so Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. The melody of this keyboard sonata needs to be played with clarity and a lightness of touch with little use of the sustaining pedal at a secure and steady tempo. A tempo of 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation and the repeats are not played. A slow tempo requires a very concentrated approach but does allow much more freedom in terms of the number of notes that can be played in a trill. In a slow movement it is often easier to play more notes in a trill to keep a more balanced rhythmic shape. The left hand chord on beat 4 of bar 13 could be spread although this is not marked in the score. The scores presented by many publishers are actually quite inaccurate particularly in respect to the rhythmic detail at the approaches to the important cadence points. There is the option of considering different and additional ornaments in the repeat playing of the two sections. I would suggest listening to some of the many recordings available of this work to decide on how you might play this work. The music editor found that once the piece had been learnt and was played with discipline it became much easier to play the ornaments with the spontaneity and freedom needed that is needed. Attention needs to be paid to the accidentals. It is very easy to play a wrong note. Best advice the playing of an ornament ultimately comes down to personal preference based on knowledge/familiarity of the musical style and works of the composer. Accept the fact that you may well change your opinion on how an ornament is played based on a "gathering information" approach. Ornaments need to be played on a musical basis rather than an academic one where the latter may end up as simply being an interpretation of mis-understood rules. Performance practice adds a complication in that changing times quite often results in different approaches and interpretations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2724
This is an plain music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A keyboard sonata of great musi Show More...
This is an plain music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A keyboard sonata of great musical beauty and intensity conceived in four parts or voices. Whilst some use of the sustaining pedal is needed pedalling markings have not been indicated in the score. This sonata is excellent for developing the playing technique where a finger is substituted for another one whilst the note is still sounding to obtain the best legato possible. (changing finger on a note technique) A tempo of 84 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The second b in the tenor line in bar 1 is not sounded in many performances and in the realisation is represented by a silent note. When a part/voice is not sounding rests are not always written in the score and players need to be aware of this. It is sometimes very easy to have notes lasting than they should be. The combination of sampled sounds and the notation software enables a very consistent sound to be delivered in the realisation. At least there are no ornaments to worry about when playing this sonata! A sustained legato can be achieved with secure and appropriate fingering in place and it would be well worth while spending time pencilling in some options into the score. Always be prepared to edit and update the fingering choices whilst the sonata is being studied. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3047
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A very beautiful and appealing Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has has some score detail to assist players in their performance and practice. A very beautiful and appealing movement to play and one of Domenico Scarlatti's most popular keyboard sonatas. A tempo of 80 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested.A consistent approach in terms of tempo is recommended with possibly a slight slowing down at the approach to the cadences of the two main sections. The ornaments are realised symmetrically in the realisation without the subtlety of a performance where a piano/keyboard/harpsichord player might speed up, slow down or even hesitate during the delivery of a trill. A simple and consistent approach to the playing of ornaments is advised particularly in the early stages of learning and internalising the piece. Whilst in some ways this music has some romantic sounding features remember that it is music from the baroque era and should be approached accordingly. A successful performance of this sonata requires both control and delicacy. Tempo is a performance element that in many historical recordings is approached with a combination of indulgence and inconsistency. In bar 37 and bar 38 the ornaments are best played as acciaccatura. (crushed notes). Playing Tip: If in doubt about an ornament miss it out! Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2776
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. This is a rather grand Show More...
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. This is a rather grand movement featuring strong rhythmic shapes that need to be delivered with clarity of intention and accurate octave playing in the left hand. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. In the performance score 64th notes (hemidemisemiquaver) have been used in the notation of the opening and other quickly played ornaments to give clarity to the score. The opening ornaments are not always played as shown in the performance score. The appoggiaturas as in bar 19 need to be played quickly whilst the ornaments in bar 20 and 21 can be played either as acciaccaturas or appoggiaturas but not a combination of both. The long trill could possibly be longer another beat perhaps? In the early stages of learning this sonata the music editor suggests missing out the ornaments. Attention needs to be paid to the rhythmic detail and a successful performance requires the tonal contrasts of the phrases and sections be exploited. Many performers also experiment with the octave ranges of the piano when performing this sonata. The spacial aspect of the musical content is also something that can be explored both in relationship to the musical ideas between the two hands and also in relation to the character of the acoustic in which the sonata is being performed. Tip: Performance scores are on the busy side - in fact they have much too much information that distracts from the music. However they are a necessary and useful evil - discard them as soon as you are able and use a plain score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2228
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. Appended to the perform Show More...
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. Appended to the performance score is a plain score which is in place for players to use once the movement has been learnt. Look at the piece as the musical equivalent of going to the gym and perhaps play it as the last part of a warm up. Whilst the sonata should be played as fast as possible don't try and play it quickly until you can play it slowly! An even tempo is required and is an essential test of any performance. Whilst this is an excellent piece to encourage fast playing secure right and left hand fingering will need to be in place and have to be perfect! The realisation is 120 quarter note beats to the minute and use of the sustaining pedal is recommended although it is not marked on the score. The music editor suggests that anyone who can the sonata accurately at a tempo of 132 has genuine potential as a performer. The musical material is in itself not difficult: the challenge is simply playing the piece at a tempo that allows the content to come alive. There are some excellent perfomances of this sonata to explore at different tempi. As far as the the music setting is concerned, there are some different options as far as grouping and beaming of the notes. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3094
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. One of the most popular Show More...
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. One of the most popular of all Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas requiring particular attention to the rhythmic detail especially the dotted notes. A tempo of 92 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute is suggested which has been used in the realisation. A lightness of touch is essential even in the loud sections and there is scope for players to explore different keyboard touches, legato, staccato and staccatissimo, in arriving at their own interpretation. Remember that the piece originates as a harpsichord movement so it is important to avoid a too heavy handed approach. The playing of trills especially at cadences at the end of the main sections is a subject in itself - the best advice is to play them rhythmically and consistently. Keep them symetrical and rhythmic and play 4 or 8 note patterns. The characteristic open sounding chords arise because the third is often missing while use of sustaining pedal is recommended. This is an excellent piece to develop the performance aspect of an individual's music making in that it is a movement that one can never tire of playing. In setting the music there are different approaches and options that can be made to beaming, the positioning of the treble and bass clefs and the sharing of notes between the hands. This particular sonata is often played on the guitar and the imitation of the strumming of a guitar is something referenced in t patterns of the keyboard movement. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2974
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. A tempo of 84 dotted qu Show More...
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. A tempo of 84 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended and is also used in the realisation. There is opportunity for both staccato and legato playing in what is a relatively short and easy keyboard sonata which is also often played on the guitar. The ornamentation comprises a short 4 note trill with a variant on featuring at the cadences at the close of the A & B sections. The repeat is not played in the realisation. The concise movement features imitative counterpoint. The performance score has suggested fingering notated above and below the notes although the the music editor is keen to hear where fingering is best placed above and below the notes in the treble and bass clefs or actually by the side of the note in the respected staves? Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2713
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. A sonata of contrasting Show More...
This performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. A sonata of contrasting sections and contrasting tempi. It is a binary form sonata (AB) but each of the main sections is divided into sections of contrasting tempo and different musical content. The A section of the sonata opens with a melodic sixteen bars that features imitative counterpoint and a triplet figuration which is a strong feature of the movement as a whole. This is succeeded by a slightly faster section again quite melodic before in turn being followed by 12 bars of fast moving two part part counterpoint. The B section opens with a 20 bars of music in the same tempo which introduces some musical development anticipating some of the features found in theis part of the classical sonata. The shape of the music then returns to the character and format of the opening of the sonata closing with a fast two part section mirroring the closing of the A section. The B section as a whole is longer than the A section so the work does not have the symmetry of many of the keyboard sonatas but it does show the composer expanding or at least experimenting with the formal patterns of his music. A light keyboard touch is required and the sustaining pedal should be used at the ends of the main sections. Right and left hand fingering needs to be secure particularly in the fast sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2719
A keyboard sonata that needs to be played with delicacy and both a lightness and clarity of touch. A tempo of 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the Show More...
A keyboard sonata that needs to be played with delicacy and both a lightness and clarity of touch. A tempo of 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended - the sonata should not be played too quickly as it loses its intimacy. Legato playing is required and the performance score has detailed suggested right and left hand fingering. The crossing of hands is also a feature requiring attention to the balance of the dynamics. The bar 20 trill has two options written in the score as to how it can be played. Whilst slowing down at the end of the main sections is appropriate this should not be exaggerated or start too soon. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2933
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. A very beautiful and appealing movement to play and one of Domenico Scarlatti's most popular keyboard sonatas. A tempo of 80 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. A consistent approach in terms of tempo is recommended with possibly a slight slowing down at the approach to the cadences of the two main sections. The ornaments are realised symmetrically in the realisation without the subtlety of a performance where a piano/keyboard/harpsichord player might speed up, slow down or even hesitate during the delivery of a trill. A simple and consistent approach to the playing of ornaments is advised particularly in the early stages of learning and internalising the piece. Whilst in some ways this music has some romantic sounding features remember that it is music from the baroque era and should be approached accordingly. A successful performance of this sonata requires both control and delicacy. Tempo is a performance element that in many historical recordings is approached with a combination of indulgence and inconsistency. In bar 37 and bar 38 the ornaments are best played as acciaccatura. (crushed notes). Playing Tip: If in doubt about an ornament miss it out! Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2302
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. A keyboard sonata that needs to be played with delicacy and both a lightness and clarity of touch. A tempo of 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended - the sonata should not be played too quickly as it loses its intimacy. Legato playing is required and the performance score has detailed suggested right and left hand fingering. The crossing of hands is also a feature requiring attention to the balance of the dynamics. The bar 20 trill has two options written in the score as to how it can be played. Whilst slowing down at the end of the main sections is appropriate this should not be exaggerated or start too soon. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2304
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (wha Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. A tempo of 84 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended and is also used in the realisation.There is opportunity for both staccato and legato playing in what is a relatively short and easy keyboard sonata which is also often played on the guitar. The ornamentation comprises a short 4 note trill with a variant on featuring at the cadences at the close of the A & B sections. The repeat is not played in the realisation. The concise movement features imitative counterpoint. The performance score has suggested fingering notated above and below the notes although the the music editor is keen to hear where fingering is best placed – above and below the notes in the treble and bass clefs or actually by the side of the note in the respected staves? Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2418
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. The melody of this keyboard sonata needs to be played with clarity and a lightness of touch with little use of the sustaining pedal at a secure and steady tempo. A tempo of 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation and the repeats are not played. A slow tempo requires a very concentrated approach but does allow much more freedom in terms of the number of notes that can be played in a trill. In a slow movement it is often easier to play more notes in a trill to keep a more balanced rhythmic shape. The left hand chord on beat 4 of bar 13 could be spread although this is not marked in the score. The scores presented by many publishers are actually quite inaccurate particularly in respect to the rhythmic detail at the approaches to the important cadence points. There is the option of considering different and additional ornaments in the repeat playing of the two sections. I would suggest listening to some of the many recordings available of this work to decide on how you might play this work. The music editor found that once the piece had been learnt and was played with discipline it became much easier to play the ornaments with the spontaneity and freedom needed that is needed. Attention needs to be paid to the accidentals. It is very easy to play a wrong note. Best advice the playing of an ornament ultimately comes down to personal preference based on knowledge/familiarity of the musical style and works of the composer. Accept the fact that you may well change your opinion on how an ornament is played based on a “gathering information†approach. Ornaments need to be played on a musical basis rather than an academic one where the latter may end up as simply being an interpretation of mis-understood rules. Performance practice adds a complication in that changing times quite often results in different approaches and interpretations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2372
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It's simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. One of Scarlatti's easier keyboard sonatas but nevertheless one that offers plenty of musical and interpretative challenges to the player. It is essentially a two part movement. A tempo of 90 half note beats to the minute is used in the realisation with the repeats not being played. This music needs to be played rhythmically with energy and little use of the sustaining pedal although it can be used in the closing bars of the A and B sections. This is an excellent movement for developing a skill set in terms of being able to articulate the playing of a melody line with a range of articulations - legato, staccato, tenuto etc. Whilst many performers rit. (slow down) at the end of the A and B sections even though they are then repeated the music editor doesn't recommend this . This sonata like many other Scarlatti works is excellent for developing interpretative skills and performance experience. Varying and adding to the ornamentation in the repeats is an option. Many very competent pianists play this relatively easy sonata and some performers add quite a deal of additional music to the to the texture which is not always in keeping with the style and simplicity of the piece. Nevertheless, it does educate modern players in being aware that in Scarlatti's time improvisation was a relevant aspect of performance practice. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2476
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (wha Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often presented in a reduced format. This is on of the most popular of all Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas requiring particular attention to the rhythmic detail especially the dotted notes. A tempo of 92 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute is suggested and this has been used in the realisation. A lightness of touch is essential even in the loud sections and there is scope for players to explore different keyboard touches, legato, staccato and staccatissimo, in arriving at their own interpretation. Remember that the piece originates as a harpsichord movement so it is important to avoid a too heavy handed approach. The playing of trills especially at cadences at the end of the main sections is a subject in itself - the best advice is to play them rhythmically and consistently. Keep them symmetrical and rhythmic and play 4 or 8 note patterns. The characteristic open sounding chords arise because the third is often missing while use of sustaining pedal is recommended. This is an excellent piece to develop the performance aspect of an individual's music making in that it is a movement that one can never tire of playing. In setting the music there are different approaches and options that can be made to beaming, the positioning of the treble and bass clefs and the sharing of notes between the hands. This particular sonata is often played on the guitar and the imitation of the strumming of a guitar is something referenced in the patterns of the keyboard writing. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2776
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (wha Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. A tempo of 48 half notes (minim) beats to the minute is suggested. As a slow movement there are many interpretations as to how the ornaments are played and the music editor suggests that it would be worthwhile to spend some time listening to recordings of this sonata. Please observe that only the first two notes of four note ornaments have the fingering notated. Remember that the trill and the mordent sign mean essentially the same – if the ornament is cadential then it is likely and possible to have more notes with the tr sign is used.There is also scope for the confident player to add aditional ornaments particularly in the playing of the repeats. There are other solutions to playing the ornaments but the ones suggested here keep very much to contemporary performance practice. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) and acciaccaturas (crushed notes) in slow tempo works do presents a challenge as far as the interpretation and function. Music editors do tend to show evidence of an “over†understanding the interpretation of the ornaments. The best advice is to keep it simple, familiar and current – interpret the best of modern performance practice.The realisation is limited in respect to its interpretation of the score and the repeats are not played. Not too much use sustaining pedal is recommended and a rit. (slowing down) at the end of the two main sections is appropriate. The triplet motive introduced in bar 9 is indicated in the score for a couple of bars and then the symbol is omitted as is the case is conventional music setting. The music in this keyboard sonata possesses beauty and presence and the work should be played with delicacy and clarity. The interpretative qualities of a performance need to perhaps demonstrate more flexible than the realisation and limited use of the sustaining pedal is appropriate particularly at the end of sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2727
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is intended as guide for Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is intended as guide for those preparing their own music scores in a digital format. Teachers might also find these scores useful in preparing work tasks for their students based on the plain scores. A realisation score is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. A tempo of 48 half notes (minim) beats to the minute is suggested. As a slow movement there are many interpretations as to how the ornaments are played and the music editor suggests that it would be worthwhile to spend some time listening to recordings of this sonata. Observe that only the first two notes of four note ornaments have the fingering notated. Remember that the trill and the mordent sign mean essentially the same whilst if the ornament is cadential then it is likely and possible to have more notes with the tr sign used. There is also scope for the confident player to add additional ornaments particularly in the playing of the repeats. There are other solutions to playing the ornaments but the ones suggested here keep very much to contemporary performance practice. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) and acciaccaturas (crushed notes) in slow tempo works do presents a challenge as far as the interpretation and function. Music editors do tend to show evidence of an over understanding the interpretation of the ornaments. The best advice is to keep it simple, familiar and current interpreting the best of modern performance practice.The realisation is limited in respect to its interpretation of the score and the repeats are not played. Not too much use sustaining pedal is recommended and a rit. (slowing down) at the end of the two main sections is appropriate. The triplet motive introduced in bar 9 is indicated in the score for a couple of bars and then the symbol is omitted as is the case is conventional music setting. The music in this keyboard sonata possesses beauty and presence and the work should be played with delicacy and clarity. The interpretative qualities of a performance need to perhaps demonstrate more flexible than the realisation and limited use of the sustaining pedal is appropriate particularly at the end of sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2599
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (wh Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often presented in a reduced format. They are available to assist those in preparing music in digital format and teachers might find them useful to prepare questions based on a plain score. This is a rather grand movement featuring strong rhythmic shapes that need to be delivered with clarity of intention and accuracy in the left hand octave playing. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. In the performance score 64th notes (hemidemisemiquaver) have been used in the notation of the opening to give clarity to the rhythmic patterns. The opening ornament is not always played as shown in the performance score. The appoggiaturas as in bar 19 need to be played quickly whilst the ornaments in bar 20 and 21 can be played either as acciaccaturas or appoggiaturas but not a combination of both. The long trill could possibly be longer possibly by another beat perhaps? In the early stages of learning this sonata the music editor suggests missing out the ornaments. Attention needs to be paid to the rhythmic detail and a successful performance requires the tonal contrasts of the phrases and sections to be exploited. Many performers also experiment with the octave ranges of the piano when performing this sonata. The spacial aspect of the musical content is also something that can be explored both in relationship to the musical ideas between the two hands and also in relation to the acoustic of the building in which the sonata is being performed. Tip: Performance scores are on the busy side having much too much information that distracts from the music however they are a necessary and useful evil - discard them as soon as you are able and use a plain score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2645
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (wha Show More...
The realisation score has the score detail included with the ornaments written out as they are sounded in the realisation. It is simply a WYSIWYH (what you see is what you hear) version often in a reduced format. The sonata needs to be played with a one in a bar feel. A tempo of 96 dotted quarter notes (crotchets) is used in the realisation. Ornaments need to have a clear rhythmic shape with the main ornament being the 4 note mordent beginning on the upper note. There is no consistency amongst performers in terms of when and how the ornaments are played in many of Scarlatti sonatas and the same is true of this one. The additional ornaments that features in the inner parts of bars 97, 101, 105, 108, 112 and 116 maybe omitted particularly when learning the sonata. It is probably best to avoid playing the repeats when learning this piece and many Scarlatti sonatas are in fact performed without all the repeats being played. Changing the finger used on a repeating note is a technique that can be applied in the left hand. A very light touch is required to play the movement at a tempo which allows the intensity of the music to come alive. There are times when the left hand is playing staccato and the right hand legato and other times when both hands are playing staccato. Whilst texturally quite straight forward this is a demanding sonata to play requiring a secure technique, control with the fingers close to the keys. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2317
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. The melody of th Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. The melody of this keyboard sonata needs to be played with clarity and a lightness of touch with little use of the sustaining pedal at a secure and steady tempo. A tempo of 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is used in the realisation and the repeats are not played. A slow tempo requires a very concentrated approach but does allow much more freedom in terms of the number of notes that can be played in a trill. In a slow movement it is often easier to play more notes in a trill to keep a more balanced rhythmic shape. The left hand chord on beat 4 of bar 13 could be spread although this is not marked in the score. The scores presented by many publishers are actually quite inaccurate particularly in respect to the rhythmic detail at the approaches to the important cadence points. There is the option of considering different and additional ornaments in the repeat playing of the two sections. I would suggest listening to some of the many recordings available of this work to decide on how you might play this work. The music editor found that once the piece had been learnt and was played with discipline it became much easier to play the ornaments with the spontaneity and freedom needed that is needed. Attention needs to be paid to the accidentals. It is very easy to play a wrong note. Best advice the playing of an ornament ultimately comes down to personal preference based on knowledge/familiarity of the musical style and works of the composer. Accept the fact that you may well change your opinion on how an ornament is played based on a "gathering information" approach. Ornaments need to be played on a musical basis rather than an academic one where the latter may end up as simply being an interpretation of mis-understood rules. Performance practice adds a complication in that changing times quite often results in different approaches and interpretations. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2304
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. The sonata needs Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. The sonata needs to be played with a one in a bar feel. A tempo of 96 dotted quarter notes (crotchets) is used in the realisation. Ornaments need to have a clear rhythmic shape with the main ornament being the 4 note mordent beginning on the upper note. There is no consistency amongst performers in terms of when and how the ornaments are played in many of Scarlatti sonatas and the same is true of this one. The additional ornaments that features in the inner parts of bars 97, 101, 105, 108, 112 and 116 maybe omitted particularly when learning the sonata. It is probably best to avoid playing the repeats when learning this piece and many Scarlatti sonatas are in fact performed without all the repeats being played. Changing the finger used on a repeating note is a technique that can be applied in the left hand. A very light touch is required to play the movement at a tempo which allows the intensity of the music to come alive. There are times when the left hand is playing staccato and the right hand legato and other times when both hands are playing staccato. Whilst texturally quite straight forward this is a demanding sonata to play requiring a secure technique, control with the fingers close to the keys. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2295
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. This is a rather Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. This is a rather grand movement featuring strong rhythmic shapes that need to be delivered with clarity of intention and accurate octave playing in the left hand. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. In the performance score 64th notes (hemidemisemiquaver) have been used in the notation of the opening and other ornaments to give more clarity about the rhythmic shapes. The opening ornament is not always played as shown in the performance score. The appoggiaturas as in bar 19 need to be played quickly whilst the ornaments in bar 20 and 21 can be played either as acciaccaturas or appoggiaturas but not a combination of both. The long trill could possibly be longer possibly by another beat perhaps? In the early stages of learning this sonata the music editor suggests missing out the ornaments. Attention needs to be paid to the rhythmic detail and a successful performance requires the tonal contrasts of the phrases and sections be exploited. Many performers also experiment with the octave ranges of the piano when performing this sonata. The spacial aspect of the musical content is also something that can be explored both in relationship to the musical ideas between the two hands and also in relation to the acoustic in which the sonata is being performed. Tip: Performance scores are on the busy side in having much too much information that distracts from the music. They are a necessary and useful evil - discard them as soon as you are able and use a plain score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2590
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A tempo of 48 ha Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A tempo of 48 half notes (minim) beats to the minute is suggested. As a slow movement there are many interpretations as to how the ornaments are played and the music editor suggests that it would be worthwhile to spend some time listening to recordings of this sonata. Remember that the trill and the mordent sign mean essentially the same. If the ornament is cadential then it is likely and possible to have more notes with the tr sign in use. There is also scope for the confident player to add additional ornaments particularly in the playing of the repeats. There are other solutions to playing the ornaments but the ones suggested here keep very much to contemporary performance practice. Appoggiaturas (leaning notes) and acciaccaturas (crushed notes) in slow tempo works do presents a challenge as far as the interpretation and function. Music editors do tend to show evidence of an over understanding the interpretation of the ornaments. The best advice is to keep it simple, familiar and current. The realisation is limited in respect to its interpretation of the score and the repeats are not played. Not too much use sustaining pedal is recommended and a rit. (slowing down) at the end of the two main sections is appropriate. The triplet motive introduced in bar 9 is indicated in the score for a couple of bars and then the symbol is omitted as is the case is conventional music setting. The music in this keyboard sonata possesses beauty and presence and the work should be played with delicacy and clarity. The interpretative qualities of a performance need to perhaps be more flexible than the realisation and limited use of the sustaining pedal is appropriate particularly at the end of sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2673
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A very appealing Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A very appealing keyboard sonata although there are surprisingly not many recordings of the sonata available. Whilst the composers style is in evidence it is also a work in which a variety of moods are explored. A tempo of 96 half note (mimim) beats to the minute is suggested and used in the realisation.
It is a sonata allowing the player to explore options in legato and staccato keyboard articulations. Interestingly there are interpretations in which the performers improvise around the shapes offering rhythmic variants and something more than just additional ornaments. In the ornamentation particularly at cadences there is a script but there is a tendency for some performers to become very individual and possibly rather extreme! Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2864
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. Look at the piec Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. Look at the piece as the musical equivalent of going to the gym and perhaps play it as the last part of a warm up. Whilst the sonata should be played as fast as possible don't try and play it quickly until you can play it slowly! An even tempo is required and is an essential test of any performance. Whilst this is an excellent piece to encourage fast playing secure right and left hand fingering will need to be in place and have to be perfect! The realisation is 120 quarter note beats to the minute and use of the sustaining pedal is recommended although it is not marked on the score. I would suggest anyone who can the sonata accurately at a tempo of 132 has genuine potential as a performer. The musical material is in itself not difficult: the challenge is simply playing the piece at a tempo that allows the content to come alive. There are some excellent perfomances of this sonata to explore at different tempi. As far as the the music setting is concerned, there are some different options as far as grouping and beaming of the notes. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2397
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. One of the most Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. One of the most popular of all Scarlatti's keyboard sonatas requiring particular attention to the rhythmic detail especially the dotted notes. A tempo of 92 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute is suggested whilst the realisation plays at this tempo. A lightness of touch is essential even in the loud sections and there is scope for players to explore different keyboard touches, legato, staccato and staccatissimo, in arriving at their own interpretation. Remember that the piece originates as a harpsichord movement so it is important to avoid a too heavy handed approach. The playing of trills especially at cadences at the end of the main sections is a subject in itself - the best advice is to play them rhythmically and consistently. Keep them symmetrical and rhythmic and play 4 or 8 note patterns. The characteristic open sounding chords arise because the third is often missing while use of sustaining pedal is recommended. This is an excellent piece to develop the performance aspect of an individual's music making in that it is a movement that one can never tire of playing. In setting the music there are different approaches and options that can be made to beaming, the positioning of the treble and bass clefs and the sharing of notes between the hands. This particular sonata is often played on the guitar and the imitation of the strumming of a guitar is something referenced in the patterns of the keyboard writing.. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2965
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. One of Scarlatti Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. One of Scarlatti's easier keyboard sonatas but nevertheless one that offers plenty of musical and interpretative challenges to the player. It is essentially a two part movement. A tempo of 90 half note beats to the minute is used in the realisation with the repeats not being played. This music needs to be played rhythmically with energy and little use of the sustaining pedal although it can be used in the closing bars of the A and B sections. This is an excellent movement for developing a skill set in terms of being able to articulate the playing of a melody line with a range of articulations - legato, staccato, tenuto etc. Whilst many performers rit. (slow down) at the end of the A and B sections even though they are then repeated the music editor doesn't recommend this . This sonata like many other Scarlatti works is excellent for developing interpretative skills and performance experience. Varying and adding to the ornamentation in the repeats is an option. Many very competent pianists play this relatively easy sonata and some performers add quite a deal of additional music to the to the texture which is not always in keeping with the style and simplicity of the piece. Nevertheless, it does educate modern players in being aware that in Scarlatti's time improvisation was a relevant aspect of performance practice. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2596
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A tempo of 84 do Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A tempo of 84 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended and is also used in the realisation.There is opportunity for both staccato and legato playing in what is a relatively short and easy keyboard sonata which is also often played on the guitar. The ornamentation comprises a short 4 note trill with a variant on featuring at the cadences at the close of the A & B sections. The repeat is not played in the realisation. The concise movement features imitative counterpoint. The performance score has suggested fingering notated above and below the notes although the the music editor is keen to hear where fingering is best placed – above and below the notes in the treble and bass clefs or actually by the side of the note in the respected staves? Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2352
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A sonata of cont Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A sonata of contrasting sections and contrasting tempi. It is a binary form sonata (AB) but each of the main sections is divided into sections of contrasting tempo and different musical content. The A section of the sonata opens with a melodic sixteen bars that features imitative counterpoint and a triplet figuration which is a strong feature of the movement as a whole. This is succeeded by a slightly faster section again quite melodic before in turn being followed by 12 bars of fast moving two part part counterpoint. The B section opens with a 20 bars of music in the same tempo which introduces some musical development anticipating some of the features found in theis part of the classical sonata. The shape of the music then returns to the character and format of the opening of the sonata closing with a fast two part section mirroring the closing of the A section. The B section as a whole is longer than the A section so the work does not have the symmetry of many of the keyboard sonatas but it does show the composer expanding or at least experimenting with the formal patterns of his music. A light keyboard touch is required and the sustaining pedal should be used at the ends of the main sections. Right and left hand fingering needs to be secure particularly in the fast sections. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2650
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. There are severa Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. There are several Scarlatti keyboard sonatas in which the familiar hunting call motif is heard as in the opening bar of this sonata. The movement needs to be played with a very light touch to ensure that the suggested tempo of 104 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is maintained. In this concentrated and intense movement the repeats are not played in the realisation and the editor suggests that the repeats are only played when the sonata can be played comfortably. The ornamentation in the sonata is fairly straightforward as it tends to be in faster movements with acciaccaturas (crushed notes) and the four note short trill beginning on the upper note featured. However, some attention needs to be given to the choice of accidentals played in the ornamentas. Bar 41 is notated using triplets for clarity. A light staccatissimo touch is needed for some of the sections and in the performance score these are all indicated by appropriate symbols. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2706
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A keyboard sonat Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed and published from the baroque era. A keyboard sonata of great musical beauty and intensity conceived in four parts or voices. Whilst some use of the sustaining pedal is needed pedalling markings have not been indicated in the score. This sonata is excellent for developing the playing technique where a finger is substituted for another one whilst the note is still sounding to obtain the best legato possible. (changing finger on a note technique) A tempo of 84 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The second b in the tenor line in bar 1 is not sounded in many performances and in the realisation is represented by a silent note. When a part/voice is not sounding rests are not always written in the score and players need to be aware of this. It is sometimes very easy to have notes lasting than they should be. The combination of sampled sounds and the notation software enables a very consistent sound to be delivered in the realisation. At least there are no ornaments to worry about when playing this sonata! A sustained legato can be achieved with secure and appropriate fingering in place and it would be well worth while spending time pencilling in some options into the score. Always be prepared to edit and update the fingering choices whilst the sonata is being studied. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2286
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed from this era. A keyboard sonata that needs to be pl Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of music printed from this era. A keyboard sonata that needs to be played with delicacy and both a lightness and clarity of touch. A tempo of 76 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended - the sonata should not be played too quickly as it loses its intimacy. Legato playing is required and the performance score has detailed suggested right and left hand fingering. The crossing of hands is also a feature requiring attention to the balance of the dynamics. The bar 20 trill has two options written in the score as to how it can be played. Whilst slowing down at the end of the main sections is appropriate this should not be exaggerated or start too soon. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2366
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal detail which is characteristic of music printed from this era. A very beautiful and appealing mo Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal detail which is characteristic of music printed from this era. A very beautiful and appealing movement to play and one of Domenico Scarlatti’s most popular keyboard sonatas. A tempo of 80 dotted quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested.A consistent approach in terms of tempo is recommended with possibly a slight slowing down at the approach to the cadences of the two main sections. The ornaments are realised symmetrically in the realisation without the subtlety of a performance where a piano/keyboard/harpsichord player might speed up, slow down or even hesitate during the delivery of a trill. A simple and consistent approach to the playing of ornaments is advised particularly in the early stages of learning and internalising the piece. Whilst in some ways this music has some romantic sounding features remember that it is music from the baroque era and should be approached accordingly. A successful performance of this sonata requires both control and delicacy. Tempo is a performance element that in many historical recordings is approached with a combination of indulgence and inconsistency. In bar 37 and bar 38 the ornaments are best played as acciaccatura. (crushed notes). Playing Tip: If in doubt about an ornament miss it out! Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2630
The performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. The ornaments as played Show More...
The performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. The ornaments as played in the realisation are also written out in full. A two part (AB) movement with essentially a two part texture. The imitatative counterpoint that features in this movement demands a combination of accuracy with a lightness of touch. A tempo of 110 quarter note (crotchet beats) to the minute is suggested and used in the realisation although the repeats are not played. A light staccatissimo touch is suggested and there should be minimal use of the sustaining pedal. Staccatissimo playing on the piano is a technique whereby the fingers imitate a plucking approach to the playing of the keys. Staccatissimo notes when they are played are indicated throughout the score. It is important that the left hand is held above the right hand in bars 7/8, bar 11 and bar 17 to enable the notes to be correctly articulated. Ornaments start on the upper note and in fast tempo works are best played simply and rhythmically. The Bar 3 ornament can be 4 or 8 notes - the music editor suggests starting with 4. There is great symmetry in the Scarlatti keyboard sonatas and formally they are very balanced works. Ornamentation should in the editor's view reflect these characteristics. Playing Tip: If your fingers don't have time to play the ornaments when learning the piece leave them out and add them at a later stage. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3028
This is an edited music score in that it has some score detail to assist players in performing the sonata. It is very easy to be tempted to play this Show More...
This is an edited music score in that it has some score detail to assist players in performing the sonata. It is very easy to be tempted to play this keyboard sonata too heavily - remember that the music of Scarlatti originates on the harpsichord which requires a lighter touch than the piano. To perform this sonata it is important to understand both the texture and voicing. There are four lines or voices and each needs to be articulated with sensitivity and awareness of the others. Whilst all the lines are important the top line is the one that will most impress on the listener. Understand that when a particular voice is not sounding rests may or may not be written in the score. In a performance of this sonata careful attention also needs to be paid to the reading and playing of the tied notes. A tempo of 60 quarter note beats to the minute is suggested and from the playing point of view it is an excellent piece for developing changing the finger on a note technique which is necessary to achieve a legato particularly in the top line. The right hand is required to play some notes written in the bass clef particularly towards the end of the first section although players should be able to work out the suggestions with the bracket signs and indicated fingering.
Remember: In music of the baroque period once the rhythmic pattern of the opening bars has been established it is generally maintained throughout the movement. A dot after a note can mean slightly different things rhythmically in different musical styles. Playing Tip: Understand the musical texture that you are playing. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2420
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of scores from this period in music history. It is very easy to be te Show More...
This is a plain score version in that it has minimal score detail characteristic of scores from this period in music history. It is very easy to be tempted to play this keyboard sonata too heavily - remember that Scarlatti's music originates on the harpsichord which requires a lighter touch than the piano. To perform this sonata it is important to understand both the texture and voicing. There are four lines or voices and each needs to be articulated with sensitivity and awareness of the others. Whilst all the lines are important the top line is the one that will most impress on the listener. Understand that when a particular voice is not sounding rests may or may not be written in the score. In a performance of this sonata careful attention also needs to be paid to the reading and playing of the tied notes. A tempo of 60 quarter note beats to the minute is suggested and from the playing point of view it is an excellent piece for developing changing the finger on a note technique which is necessary to achieve a legato particularly in the top line. The right hand is required to play some notes written in the bass clef particularly towards the end of the first section although players should be able to work out the suggestions with the bracket signs and indicated fingering. Remember: In music of the baroque period once the rhythmic pattern of the opening bars has been established it is generally maintained throughout the movement. A dot after a note can mean slightly different things rhythmically in different musical styles.
Playing Tip: Understand the musical texture that you are playing Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2312
The performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. It is very easy to be te Show More...
The performance score has score detail including dynamics, articulation markings and suggested right and left hand fingering. It is very easy to be tempted to play this keyboard sonata too heavily - remember that Scarlatti's music originates on the harpsichord which requires a lighter touch than the piano. To perform this sonata it is important to understand both the texture and voicing. There are four lines or voices and each needs to be articulated with sensitivity and awareness of the others. Whilst all the lines are important the top line is the one that will most impress on the listener. Understand that when a particular voice is not sounding rests may or may not be written in the score. In a performance of this sonata careful attention also needs to be paid to the reading and playing of the tied notes. A tempo of 60 quarter note beats to the minute is suggested and from the playing point of view it is an excellent piece for developing changing the finger on a note technique which is necessary to achieve a legato particularly in the top line. The right hand is required to play some notes written in the bass clef particularly towards the end of the first section although players should be able to work out the suggestions with the bracket signs and indicated fingering. Remember: In music of the baroque period once the rhythmic pattern of the opening bars has been established it is generally maintained throughout the movement. A dot after a note can mean slightly different things rhythmically in different musical styles.
Playing Tip: Understand the musical texture that you are playing Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2728
Nazareth (1863 -1934) was a Brazilian composer and pianist whose compositional style absorbs many different influences Brazilian, European, African an Show More...
Nazareth (1863 -1934) was a Brazilian composer and pianist whose compositional style absorbs many different influences Brazilian, European, African and ragtime. He composed tangos, waltzes, polkas, sambas, galops, Scottisches and fox-trots and although classically trained was very familiar with the popular musical idioms of his day both at home and abroad. Brejeiro is described as a tango and the English translation of the Portugese word Brejeiro is impish meaning fun or mischevous. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. In terms of the arrangement, there has been some simplication of the texture although the core musical material remains intact. I would recommend listening to different versions of this simply lovely piece played by a range instrument of combinations. The original version is also available, on the website, for the brave and accomplished! Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1887
In this intermediate level arrangement for solo piano the sounding key is A minor/major and a tempo of 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute Show More...
In this intermediate level arrangement for solo piano the sounding key is A minor/major and a tempo of 88 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended. The piece is structured into three sections and it can be satisfactorily performed with or without repeats. Dating from 1917 this Brazilian choro (lament) was composed by Abreu and whilst there is no definitive notated version it is a piece that has travelled widely in various different formats. It is an excellent ensemble piece and there are many arrangement possibilities suited to both formal or more informal music making activities. . Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2469
This is a keyboard transcription of a movement from Mozart's Divertimento No 3 K439b for wind trio. Many of the distinctive and characteristic elemen Show More...
This is a keyboard transcription of a movement from Mozart's Divertimento No 3 K439b for wind trio. Many of the distinctive and characteristic elements of Mozart's compositional style are evident in this piece. The realisation has a tempo of 144 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the bar and is played without repeats. Musical ideas needed to be clearly articulated and the movement utilises a range of keyboard touches requiring a lightness in the hands and fingers. Keyboard players may wish to experiment with the suggested fingering for example, many music editors suggest using a different finger when the same note is repeated especially if there are staccato markings in the score. It is a technique that helps encourages lightness of touch. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2703
A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme The repeat is often a varied repeat. Beethoven was particularly fond of using the form and they appear frequ Show More...
A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme The repeat is often a varied repeat. Beethoven was particularly fond of using the form and they appear frequently in his sonatas and concertos especially as the last movement. This is one of Beethoven's works described as being Without Opus Number (WoO). Many of the characteristics of Beethoven's more mature compositional and performance style are demonstrated in this piece. It is is a lively, dramatic and characterful movement that needs to be approached with a light pianistic touch. Fingering is in place on the music score to encourage a secure playing technique and the movement needs to be played at a healthy one to a bar tempo of around 72 dotted quarter note (crotchets) beats to the minute. In this version the ornaments are included in the realisation although I would recommended listening to performances of this work on available recordings to understand how to best approach how they should be played. Understand that pianists rarely approach the playing of trills, appogiaturauras and other ornaments in the same way. Conventions in the performance of ornaments also change according to the prevailing performance practice - the best advice is that the performance of ornaments should not effect the rhythmic momentum inherent in the music. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2824
A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme The repeat is often a varied repeat. Beethoven was particularly fond of using the form and they appear frequ Show More...
A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme The repeat is often a varied repeat. Beethoven was particularly fond of using the form and they appear frequently in his sonatas and concertos especially as the last movement. This is one of Beethoven's works described as being Without Opus Number (WoO). Many of the characteristics of Beethoven's more mature compositional and performance style are demonstrated in this piece. It is is a lively, dramatic and characterful movement that needs to be approached with a light pianistic touch. Fingering is in place on the music score to encourage a secure playing technique and the movement needs to be played at a healthy one to a bar tempo of around 72 dotted quarter note (crotchets) beats to the minute. In the realisation the ornaments have been omitted although they are notated in the musical score. I would suggest that the piece is learnt without the inclusion of ornaments in the first instance. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2759
A graceful movement from one of Haydn's early keyboard sonatas with a melody that very much captures the spirit of the classical age.The melody needs Show More...
A graceful movement from one of Haydn's early keyboard sonatas with a melody that very much captures the spirit of the classical age.The melody needs to be played in a flowing and even manner and played at a tempo in which the music is does not seem to be rushed - 42 quarter notes (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The balance between the instrumental parts could possibly be improved in performance and more attention paid to the ends of the phrases which are not as well shaped in the realisation as they possibly could be. In the realisation a consistent approach to the interpretation of the ornaments is the intention but there are other solutions and additions that can be made. Performers of this work often vary and add additional ornaments in the the repeat sections and consequently no two performances of the movement are interpretated in the same way. The ornaments in this version are written out in an ossia staff but can always be omitted in the early stages of learning the piece. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2653
One of the most familiar pieces of the classical repetoire composed by the Italian composer, Luigi Boccherini. The work originated as part of his stri Show More...
One of the most familiar pieces of the classical repetoire composed by the Italian composer, Luigi Boccherini. The work originated as part of his string quintet Opus 11 No.5. In this arrangement the musical texture has been simplified into three parts - melody, harmonic/chord accompaniment and bass. This is an excellent and concise movement for any musician needing to have a clear understanding of classical style and the structure of the classical minuet. The realisation has all the indicated repeats played except in the repeat of the minuet when the convention is for them not to be played. The formal pattern or shape can be represented as Minuet AABB Trio AABB Minuet AB. The Trio is a second minuet and described thus because it generally has a three part texture. There is a considerable amount of score detail, including fingering, in the prepared score and the ornaments have been written out in full, in an ossia staff, to assist players. This movement requires a performance that is both delicate and consistent which can be challenging to players not very experienced in playing music of the period. A tempo of 100 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2324
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. It was composed by Clementi who was known in his o Show More...
This is a very attractive piece which has in the recent past been used as the basis for a pop tune. It was composed by Clementi who was known in his own time as a teacher, composer, performer and even as a manufacturer of pianos spending most of his adult life living in England. His Opus 36 Sonatinas are excellent pieces for improver pianists and keyboard players. Performance detail including specified fingering is marked in this score and a tempo of 120 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested and used in the realization. A rondo is a piece with a recurring theme. As a relatively fast piece a light playing touch will be needed. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3118
This is Beethoven's original piano version of his Six Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64. It is an excellent piece enabling players to identify many of Show More...
This is Beethoven's original piano version of his Six Variations on a Swiss Air WoO 64. It is an excellent piece enabling players to identify many of the stylistic elements that feature in Beethoven's compositions. The simple theme needs to be clearly articulated and played with a detached but not staccato articulation. The WoO is short for Work without Opus Number and there are many jewels found in this category of work by Beethoven. A tempo of 132 quarter note beats to the minute is recommended for the playing of the theme and variations although variations 2 & 3 need to be played at a slightly slower tempo. The movement has performance detail and suggested fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2304
The intermediate version of "The Entertainer" includes all the main musical sections of the original. Chords have been more appropriately voiced for Show More...
The intermediate version of "The Entertainer" includes all the main musical sections of the original. Chords have been more appropriately voiced for the beginner player and the texture simplified so that the right hand octaves are omitted. Described as A Rag Time Two Step and composed in 1902, this music is instantly recognisable, which is a disadvantage to any instrumentalist because as a consequence it needs to played both accurately and musically. Ragtime is the first readily identifiable modern popular music in that it has elements and links with popular music that succeeded it. Unfortunately, much ragtime music is played very badly and frequently at too fast a tempo so I would suggest listening to Scott Joplin's own remastered piano rolls to obtain an understanding of the performance style. A tempo of around 72 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2986
The polka is a lively characterful dance that originated from the area now known as the Czech Republic (Bohemia) and its popularity spread widely thro Show More...
The polka is a lively characterful dance that originated from the area now known as the Czech Republic (Bohemia) and its popularity spread widely throughout Europe and subsequently North and South America. The dance is upbeat and celebratory in character and written in 2/4 time. Foster's Soirée Polka is an appealing and rhythmic piece suited to being played by a wide range of instruments and instrumental groups although the musical material needs to be played lightly. Stephen Foster (1826-1864) is known as the father of American music, responsible for writing over 200 songs many of which are still very well known today. His My Old Kentucky Home has been the official state song of Kentucky since 1928. He began composing as a teenager and attempted to live his life as a professional songwriter at a time before copyright laws protected a composers work so it was impossible for him to earn a decent living. This copy does not have any suggested fingering whilst a tempo of 110 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is recommended. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1967
An intermediate level arrangement for solo piano in the key of C. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Th Show More...
An intermediate level arrangement for solo piano in the key of C. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. Sebastian Yradier was a Spanish born composer who despite the universal popularity of the piece died in obscurity in 1865. Based on the Cuban habanera rhythm, La Paloma (The Dove) was written after the composer visited Cuba around 1860 and became very popular world wide. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. There are many different versions of this piece and the triplet figuration provides various options on how the music can be both notated and played. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. This version is in the key of C and has suggested fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1828
An intermediate level arrangement for piano. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested.The melody needs to be Show More...
An intermediate level arrangement for piano. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested.The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. Sebastiian Yradier was a Spanish born composer who despite the universal popularity of the piece died in obscurity in 1865. Based on the Cuban habanera rhythm, La Paloma (The Dove) was written after the composer visited Cuba around 1860 and became very popular world wide. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. There are many different versions of this piece and the triplet figuration provides various options on how the music can be both notated and played. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. This version is in C and has suggested fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2421
This version is for intermediate level piano in the key of G. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The me Show More...
This version is for intermediate level piano in the key of G. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. Sebastian Yradier was a Spanish born composer who despite the universal popularity of the piece died in obscurity in 1865. Based on the Cuban habanera rhythm, La Paloma (The Dove) was written after the composer visited Cuba around 1860 and became very popular world wide. The melody needs to be played legato whilst the accompaniment figuration should be played staccato or certainly in a detached manner. There are many different versions of this piece and the triplet figuration provides various options on how the music can be both notated and played. A tempo of of around 60 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. This version is in G and has suggested fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 1812
This is an intermediate level version of Satie's march inspired by the music of the ragtime era. It is a cabaret piece featuring the cakewalk rhythm Show More...
This is an intermediate level version of Satie's march inspired by the music of the ragtime era. It is a cabaret piece featuring the cakewalk rhythm which was popular in Paris around 1900. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested for this concise humorous piece dating from 1904. The music copy has been edited with right and left hand fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2261
Ignacio Cervantes (1847-1905) was a Cuban pianist and composer and his music is an early example of nationalism. Los Tres Golpes (The Three Strikes) o Show More...
Ignacio Cervantes (1847-1905) was a Cuban pianist and composer and his music is an early example of nationalism. Los Tres Golpes (The Three Strikes) originally composed for piano is one of his Danzas Cubanas exploring the habanera rhythm. It is a short piece usually played through twice in a performance. It has a haunting quality and is suited to being played by a number of different instrument combinations. His music combines Cuban, European and African elements and he was fortunate in being able to travel to Paris to further his music studies studying with Charles-Valentin Alkan and others. A tempo of 96 quarter note (crotchet) beats to the minute is suggested. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2212
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in melody and accompaniment playing. This intermediate le Show More...
A very familiar melody used to introduce some of the elements of classical performance style in melody and accompaniment playing. This intermediate level arrangement explores classical compositional techniques within a two part texture and features an alberti style bass, the melody played by the left hand in the bass clef and changes of time signature. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2606
The piano / keyboard version of this movement with the right and left hand fingering clearly specified. The realisations are played at a tempo of 60 h Show More...
The piano / keyboard version of this movement with the right and left hand fingering clearly specified. The realisations are played at a tempo of 60 half note (minim) beats to the bar which allows the flowing lines to be communicated. Aim to play the lines as evenly as possible although the left hand can either be played semi staccato. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2328
A piano / keyboard version of this dignified movement with an outline chord shape that needs to be clearly articulated supported by a contrasting and Show More...
A piano / keyboard version of this dignified movement with an outline chord shape that needs to be clearly articulated supported by a contrasting and well defined bass line. It has a toccata / cadenza like section near the end. The ornaments have been written out and are realised on the mp3 playback. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2313
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 8 BWV 779 in F is one of the most popular of the two part inventions and available as a free sheet music score from PlentyMusic. Cadential preparation is a strong feature and because is a relatively familiar keyboard work pianists will need to ensure that it has been well prepared before a performance.
The realisation plays back at 96 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute. Many play it faster and interestingly it is an invention without ornaments. Avoid playing the movement too loudly and keep a lightness in the hands.
Remember that music cannot be played quickly until it can be played slowly.
Keyboard players need to choose a tempo at which the whole movement can be played consistently. It is a good test piece for players because this piece can very easily run away with itself requiring a tempo adjustment in the challenging sixteenth /semi-quaver sections.
Keyboard players will need to keep a lightness in the hands if they are to play the movement at tempo. Fingers will also need to be close to the keys. Fingering choices dependent on the direction in which the fingers and hands are moving also has a context with this particular invention.
An uplifting and appealing invention giving keyboard players the opportunity to combine legato and detached or staccato playing. Keyboard players are in familar territory both with the harmonic outline or key journey and the compositional processes used
This invention generally invites more of a consistent approach and vision which is suggested and supported by the recordings available.
Again it is wise for players to listen to performances of this invention on streaming media to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what really are considered to be learning pieces.
The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 3724
Invention 4 BWV 775 in D minor is an appealing work in the key of D minor and features an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise moveme Show More...
Invention 4 BWV 775 in D minor is an appealing work in the key of D minor and features an opening motif or melodic shape that combines stepwise movement with the interval of a falling diminished seventh.
The realisation plays back at 60 dotted quarter note or dotted crotchet beats to the minute.
Playing the D minor scale in its harmonic and melodic forms would be excellent preparation for playing this invention.
The long trills bar 19 and bar 29 need to be played rhythmically and with control. There is some debate as to the notes to be played in the trill commencing in bar 29. The music editor suggests an F natural but many alternate an F# with the E
In the video score, which keyboard players may wish to refer to on the PlentyMusic YouTube channel ornaments have been written out as they sound in the realisation to represent exactly what is being played.
This is an invention where it is interesting to observe the different approaches to playing the movement. Many play the invention articulating the eighth note or quavers with a detached staccato while others play the movement with a legato touch. The former approach requires a lightness in the hands and can be a challenging because of the tension created especially if the movement is played at a fast tempo.
Whilst there is considerable contrast to the tempo that the invention is played remember that movements cannot be played quickly until they be played slowly!
Valuable time can be spent on streaming media listening to and perhaps watching different approaches that players have when performing this movement. What is fascinating is to hear some of the greatest pianists and harpsichordists playing what really are considered to be essential repertoire for players in their early years of playing a keyboard instrument.
The Bach Inventions are generally considered to be intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument. The key journey that features in this movement embraces the closley related keys of the relative major, sub-dominant and the V7 – VI progression bars 48 - 49 further adds to the harmonic journey. Imitation, inversion and sequence are all in evidence as compositional processes.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. Pianists will find it rewarding to listen to performances of this invention on streaming platforms particularly on the piano to get a sense of how important an aspect of piano playing this is.
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
A plain score is appended to the edited music score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2507
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation
Bach played his Show More...
J.S. Bach’s Invention 14 in the key of Bb is a rhythmical work and a movement in which figuration is a substitute for ornamentation
Bach played his music on mechanical instruments and for the modern player much can be learnt about playing by occasionally practicing on a silent keyboard. This could be a keyboard or even an organ which is a quite an appropriate instrument on which to play the Bach inventions.
A lively movement which is excellent for improving strength in the weaker 4th and 5 fingers.
Keyboard players will need to be aware of how the phrases are shaped and some of the leaps will need some attention.
A lightness in the playing touch and hands is essential if the invention is to played at tempo without the hands becoming tense.
Ornaments are omitted in this movement but make way for some exacting and rhythmic figuration.
The realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
There are different approaches to playing this invention and keyboard players should spend time listening to performances of the work on streaming media..
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. This is an important aspect of piano playing.
A plain score is attached to the edited music score, Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2419
J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 is in the key of A minor and is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play with the diminished 7th chord reference Show More...
J.S.Bach’s Invention 13 is in the key of A minor and is a movement with some quite delightful shapes to play with the diminished 7th chord referenced in some of the patterns.
This invention can and is played in different ways particularly from the point of view of tempo.
As in all the inventions it is a requirement to play accurate note values. Ends of phrases are deserving of particular attention.
A legato touch is suggested and players will need consider how they approach phrasing the shapes of the music in a performance. Singing or humming through the lines quietly will help clarify to instrumentalists how the music is to be played.
In the edited music score suggested fingering is in placed above the notes in the treble clef and below them in the bass clef.
Often in this movement the suggested fingering is determined by the direction in which the music is moving.
Keyboard players would be wise to spend time playing the opening bars several time before proceeding to playing the whole movement.
Remember that there are often references and suggestions in the Bach invention scores that the intended instrument on which they were to be played had two manuals.
Ornaments are not featured in this movement whilst the realisation plays back at 60 quarter note or crotchet beats to the minute.
Time spent listening to this work on streaming media will be invaluable to players wishing to understand the different approaches that players have when performing this movement.
The Bach Inventions are generally intermediate level movements when played on a keyboard instrument
The principle behind J. S. Bach’s two part inventions is to take a musical idea or motive and then process it following the rules of good contrapuntal writing using the compositional processes of the baroque and at the same time referencing the closely related keys in the journey. Inversion, repetition, sequence, transposition, rhythmic augmentation/diminution amongst other processes are evident in Bach’s inventions as most other music of the baroque period.
J. S. Bach composed 15 Inventions in a collection dating from 1723 intended to introduce keyboard players to composition techniques of the baroque. They are excellent pieces for developing a sound and secure keyboard technique.
There is opportunity to distribute the weight between the hands to give prominence to the entries of thematic material. This is an important aspect of piano playing but one that needs to be developed and nurtured and understood in terms of playing a wide repertoire of music.
An invention suited to being played by a wide range of instrument combinations possibly in combining instruments belonging to different instrument families.
A plain score is attached to the edited sheet music score. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2518
Bach's famous Prelude from Book I of The Well Tempered Clavier. It is a beautiful chordal piece requiring some delicate right hand pedalling when pla Show More...
Bach's famous Prelude from Book I of The Well Tempered Clavier. It is a beautiful chordal piece requiring some delicate right hand pedalling when played on the piano. The score also has some suggested fingering. Close
Added: 27th July, 2017 11:07 AM |
Views : 2607
