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JS Bach - Prelude and Fugue in B-Flat Major, BWV 866

ABRSM Grade 8 - A1

This prelude and fugue from Book 1 of The Well-Tempered Clavier is one of the few entry level works from Bach’s timeless masterpiece, the lively fugue more approachable than many of the others because the notes lie relatively comfortably under the hands. In three voices, there are three motives (subject, countersubject and the motive that first appears in the soprano voice in bar 9). These themes then join together in different combinations (a compositional device known as triple counterpoint). The Prelude is in toccata style, made up of passages in broken chord figuration, solid chords, and scale-like passages. Depending on... Read >>

JS Bach - Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (Menuets & Gigue, BWV 825)

This set of resources provides walkthroughs for movements from Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (BWV 825) featured in the ABRSM examination syllabus. Menuets I and II (ABRSM Grade 6) make a beautiful contrasting pair of dances whereas the Gigue (ABRSM Grade 7) is unusual among Bach’s Gigues -... Read >>

Chopin - Fantasie-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor (Op. 66)

Annotated Study Edition

Chopin’s Fantasie-Impromptu (Op. Post. 66) is one of the most popular works in the piano repertoire and many pianists attempt it before they are ready for the challenges it poses. This collection of resources accompanies our study edition for the work and features detailed annotations, additional video demonstrations and practice... Read >>

Claude Debussy - La puerta del vino, No. 3 from Preludes, Book 2

La Puerta del Vino (The Gate of Wine) refers to the traditional meeting place of the Romani people of Granada - one of the entrances to the Alhambra Palace. The composer had received a postcard of the famous gate, supposedly from Manuel de Falla, and told Alfred Cortot, “I will do something with that.” Debussy responded with a colourful work overflowing with Spanish sentiment, including an incessant habañera rhythm and flamenco-like melodies, “with sudden contrasts of extreme violence and passionate tenderness.” Performance Video lesson ... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude & Fugue in G Major, BWV 884

BWV884

Difficulty Prelude: 2-3 Fugue: 4 ... Read >>

Sonata No. 8 in C Minor ('Pathétique')

(Op. 13)

Concert pianist and piano professor Julian Jacobson gives a guided tour of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata, Op. 13. In this detailed lecture performance, Julian gives insights on style and interpretation with further tips and suggestions for fingering and tackling some of the technical challenges!... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude & Fugue in F Minor (Book 2)

BWV881

Difficulty Prelude: 3 Fugue: 5 This video preview features a performance of the work, please log-in or subscribe to see full teaching video for this work. Resources & links Click here for open domain editions for this work. click here to download difficulty chart for all 48 preludes & fugues. ... Read >>

JS Bach - Fantasia in C minor, BWV 906

ABRSM Grade 8 - A1

This highly chromatic and brilliant piece featuring hand crossings and running triplets shows Bach trying his hand at the new galant and expressive styles of composition that his sons were writing in. The contrasting second theme in the relative major returns in the home key after a development of the main themes, predicting Classical sonata form. Do not be intimidated by the array of ornaments, these can be organised rhythmically based on the realisations presented in the edition.... Read >>

Fauré - Andante Moderato (No. 5 from Pièces brèves, Op. 84)

ABRSM Grade 7 – B1

Originally written as a sight-reading test for the students of the Paris Conservatoire, this piece requires a sensitive ear for tone, colour and layering of sound as well as considerable delicacy with the pedalling. The pedal markings given in the score are by no means comprehensive but serve as a starting point. I recommend some hand redistributions for the rising arpeggio figures, allowing the left hand to take some of the notes.... Read >>