Piano Repertoire: Level 4

Course
31 Lessons

This course provides students with training on piano repertoire at the early intermediate level. These pieces are generally longer and more musically sophisticated compared to beginner repertoire. Some pieces also require the use of the damper pedal.

Requires Intermediate Plan

Course Instructions & Sheet Music

1. Petzold "Minuet in G Minor"

This piece comes from the Anna Magdalena Notebook and makes several references to the well-known Minuet in G Major (previously studied in Level 3). Both pieces are often played and performed as a set.

Difficulty = Moderately Easy

Lesson on "Minuet in G Minor"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Minuet in G Minor"

Performance Example for "Minuet in G Minor"

2. Bartók "Smooth Syncopations"

This is a very short piece that presents many rhythmic challenges in the form of subdivided notes and syncopation. Although it can be challenging at first, this piece is quite accessible once a student becomes confident with their ability to subdivide rhythms.

Difficulty = Moderately Easy

Lesson on "Smooth Syncopations"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Smooth Syncopations"

Performance Example for "Smooth Syncopations"

3. Tchaikovsky "The Sick Doll"

This piece comes from Tchaikovsky's Album for the Young and serves as a great introduction to the use of the damper pedal. Although this piece appears somewhat simplistic, good tone and balance is required to pull it off successfully.

Difficulty = Moderate

Lesson on "The Sick Doll"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "The Sick Doll"

Performance Example for "The Sick Doll"

4. AMB Notebook "Minuet in G Major"

This is another well-known selection from the Anna Magdalena Notebook that features alternating arpeggiated figures throughout. Many students find this piece to be generally more challenging compared to the well known Minuet in G Major.

Difficulty = Moderate

Lesson on "Minuet in G Major"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Minuet in G Major"

Performance Example for "Minuet in G Major"

5. Tchaikovsky "In Church"

This is another selection from Tchaikovsky's Album for the Young that features two distinct sections. The opening section is composed in the style of a 4-part hymn while the other section uses a sequence of chords in the right hand set against a repeated pedal point in the left hand. Careful use of the pedal is required throughout.

Difficulty = Somewhat Challenging

Lesson on "In Church"

Slow Practice Recording for "In Church"

Performance Example for "In Church"

6. Burgmüller "Arabesque"

This is a very well-known piece from Burgmüller's 25 Progressive Studies (Op. 100) that features several fast passages played in closed hand positions. Students will need to be very intentional about playing evenly and keeping a relaxed technique.

Difficulty = Moderate

Lesson on "Arabesque"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Arabesque"

Performance Example for "Arabesque"

7. Streabbog "The Orphan"

This piece features a solemn melody set against an arpeggiated accompaniment and makes use of the damper pedal throughout. Students will need to focus on bringing out the melody while subduing the accompaniment and pay close attention to the phrasing in order to get the most from this piece.

Difficulty = Somewhat Challenging

Lesson on "The Orphan"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "The Orphan"

Performance Example for "The Orphan"

8. Clementi "Sonatina in C Major: Spiritoso"

This is the opening movement of the first Sonatina from Clementi's well-known Op. 36 Sonatinas. This particular Sonatina is generally considered to be the most accessible from the entire set. However, this piece still presents many technical challenges for students and serves as an important milestone in one's pianist development.

Difficulty = Challenging

Lesson on "Sonatina in C Major: Spiritoso"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina in C Major: Spiritoso"

Performance Example for "Sonatina in C Major: Spiritoso"

9. Clementi "Sonatina in C Major: Andante"

This is the slow movement from Clementi's Sonatina in C Major. Although this piece is not very technically demanding, many students will find it to be especially challenging to develop a mature sounding musical performance.

Difficulty = Very Challenging

Lesson on "Sonatina in C Major: Andante"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina in C Major: Andante"

Performance Example for "Sonatina in C Major: Andante"

10. Clementi "Sonatina in C Major: Vivace"

This is the fastest and showiest movement from Clementi's Sonatina in C Major. Many students will find this piece to sound more challenging than it feels to play. With that said, students must still be intentional about playing the scale-based passages evenly and creating a sense of excitement as they switch between loud and soft playing.

Difficulty = Somewhat Challenging

Lesson on "Sonatina in C Major: Vivace"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina in C Major: Vivace"

Performance Example for "Sonatina in C Major: Vivace"