Piano Repertoire: Level 5

Course
32 Lessons

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

Requires Intermediate Plan

Course Instructions & Sheet Music

1. AMB Notebook "Minuet in C Minor"

This is a lesser-known selection from the Anna Magdalena Notebook. Despite its accessibility, the chromatic section near the end can prove challenging for some.

Difficulty = Easy

Lesson on "Minuet in C Minor"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Minuet in C Minor"

Performance Example for "Minuet in C Minor"

2. Gurlitt "Spring Song"

This is a beautiful and very accessible piece set in compound meter from Gurlitt’s Op. 172 collection. This piece provides a great opportunity to practice playing expressively while using the pedal.

Difficulty: Easy

Lesson on "Spring Song"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Spring Song"

Performance Example for "Spring Song"

3. Burgmüller "Ballade"

This fast and mysterious sounding selection comes from Burgmüller’s 25 Progressive Studies (op. 100). This piece is much less difficult than it sounds.

Difficulty: Moderate

Lesson on "Ballade"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Ballade"

Performance Example for "Ballade"

4. Bach "Bourrée"

This is a keyboard adaptation of the corresponding movement from Bach’s Suite in E Minor, originally written for the lute.

Difficulty: Moderate

Lesson on "Bourrée"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Bourrée"

Performance Example for "Bourrée"

5. Burgmüller "Ave Maria"

This beautiful selection from Burgmüller’s 25 Progressive Studies (op. 100) is composed in the style of a traditional hymn. Considering the many nuances and small musical details, this piece provides a great opportunity to focus on musicianship and playing expressively.

Difficulty: Somewhat Challenging

Lesson on "Ave Maria"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Ave Maria"

Performance Example for "Ave Maria"

6. Grieg "Dance of the Elves"

This mysterious and energetic piece comes from the first set of Lyric Pieces by Edvard Grieg. While this piece can be tricky, it's also very rewarding to play.

Difficulty: Challenging

Lesson on "Dance of the Elves"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Dance of the Elves"

Performance Example for "Dance of the Elves"

7. Bach "Prelude in C Major" from WTC 1

This is the very well-known opening prelude from a famous collection of preludes and fugues known as The Well-Tempered Claiver. While originally intended to be paired with the fugue that follows, this piece is often played on its own.

Difficulty: Moderate

Introduction to "Prelude in C Major"

Lesson on "Prelude in C Major"

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Prelude in C Major"

Performance Example for "Prelude in C Major"

8. Clementi "Sonatina in F Major: Movement I"

This is the first movement of the Sonatina in F Major (No. 4) from the Op. 36 Sonatinas. This piece features an interesting variety of musical figures with a minimal amount of fast passage work.

Difficulty = Somewhat Challenging

Lesson on "Sonatina in F Major" (Movement 1)

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina in F Major" (Movement 1)

Performance Example for "Sonatina in F Major" (Movement 1)

9. Clementi "Sonatina in F Major: Movement II"

This slow movement from the Clementi F Major Sonatina is strikingly beautiful while also being more accessible compared to the other movements. This piece provides a great opportunity to learn about nuances in pedaling and phrasing.

Difficulty = Moderate

Lesson on "Sonatina in F Major" (Movement 2)

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina: Movement II"

Performance Example for "Sonatina: Movement II"

10. Clementi "Sonatina in F Major: Movement III"

This energetic piece serves as a fitting conclusion for Clementi’s Sonatina in F Major. This piece uses rondo form which consists of a central theme that reemerges between contrasting sections. With a fair bit of rapid passage work, this piece will provide an accessible but notable challenge for many students.

Difficulty: Very Challenging

Lesson on "Sonatina in F Major" (Movement 3)

Slow Practice Demonstration for "Sonatina: Movement III"

Performance Example for "Sonatina: Movement III"