Scores for Intermediate

As a player advances to a higher skill level, the array of available scores broadens. While it's impossible to predetermine scores that universally align with every taste, we've carefully curated a selection of compositions from notable composers, organized by musical era, to showcase here.

Step into the enchanting world of the Baroque era, a period spanning from the late 16th to the early 18th century, marked by its ornate and expressive musical style.

Explore the Baroque era with introspective Bach Preludes, ideal for early intermediate players. Known for technical accessibility and expressive qualities, these preludes offer a gateway into Bach's intricate musical legacy.

Johann Sebastian Bach's Two-Part Inventions stand as exquisite gems in the realm of keyboard music. Comprising 15 short but brilliantly crafted pieces, these inventions showcase Bach's ingenuity in creating intricate contrapuntal textures for keyboard instruments. Designed as pedagogical tools, each invention explores a unique musical idea, providing both technical challenges and expressive depth. Join us in exploring the mastery of J. S. Bach through the delightful journey of his Two-Part Inventions, where every musical conversation unfolds with grace and precision.

And lastly the famous first Prelude with its following Fugue in C Major and some more hand-picked wonderful pieces:

To conclude the Baroque era, we showcase some pieces from Georg Philipp Telemann, a prolific composer known for his diverse and innovative works and George Frideric Händel, celebrated for his majestic oratorios and instrumental masterpieces.

Enter the refined world of the Classical era, spanning roughly from the mid-18th to early 19th century, characterized by elegance, balance, and expressive clarity in music. This era witnessed the emergence of musical giants, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose prodigious compositions epitomized grace and innovation; Franz Schubert, a master of lyricism and emotive depth; and Ludwig van Beethoven, a revolutionary force who pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Join us in exploring the timeless compositions of these luminaries, where the piano becomes a canvas for classical brilliance.

In the Classical era, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart emerged as a seminal figure, showcasing remarkable musical prowess. Born in 1756, Mozart demonstrated early brilliance, composing symphonies, operas, and chamber music with exceptional fluency. His piano works, marked by elegance and melodic grace, reveal a keen understanding of form and emotion. As a prolific and influential composer, Mozart's enduring impact on classical music is evident in his nuanced piano repertoire, where each note reflects timeless beauty and artistic innovation.

Playing Mozart on the piano requires a delicate balance of technical proficiency, expressive sensitivity, and stylistic awareness.

Mozart's Twelve Variations on 'Ah, vous dirai-je, Maman' is a set of variations on a popular French folk song. The original melody is perhaps best recognized as the tune for the nursery rhyme 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.' Composed in 1781, these variations showcase Mozart's exceptional ability to transform a simple theme into a series of diverse and engaging musical episodes. Each variation explores unique textures, harmonies, and technical challenges, revealing Mozart's mastery in both compositional creativity and pianistic innovation. The variations range from playful and whimsical to more intricate and virtuosic, offering a delightful journey for both the performer and the listener. Mozart's ingenuity is apparent in the seamless integration of the original theme, maintaining its familiarity while infusing each variation with distinct character and expression.

Studying Mozart's London Sketchbook offers piano students a rich exploration of composition techniques, historical context, and interpretative skills. The sketches provide a unique glimpse into Mozart's creative process during his London visit in 1764-65, encouraging students to experiment with incomplete musical notations and enhance their sight-reading abilities. This engagement fosters curiosity, connecting students to the stylistic traits of the Classical era, refining their expressive capabilities, and inspiring potential for composition. Overall, the London Sketchbook serves as a valuable resource for multifaceted learning, bridging the gap between historical insights and practical musical applications.

And finally a handpicked selection of easier minuets often serving as elegant dance movements within larger works, reveal Mozart's knack for crafting refined and graceful melodies, followed by some famous sonatas.

Beethoven's piano works stand as monumental pillars in the classical repertoire, showcasing the composer's unparalleled innovation and emotional depth. Ranging from early sonatas to his towering late works, Beethoven's piano compositions reveal a journey of artistic evolution. For a student, Beethoven's piano works offers an immersive exploration of musical and emotional expression. The intricate technical demands, coupled with the need for profound interpretation, provide a unique learning experience.

Delving into Beethoven's piano works is often perceived as a formidable challenge, given the advanced nature of many compositions. However, our curated selection introduces students to the captivating world of Beethoven with accessible yet beautiful pieces, including the timeless 'Für Elise' and excerpts from the illustrious 'Moonlight Sonata.' These selections serve as an entry point, allowing students to experience the essence of Beethoven's genius while honing their skills. Navigating these iconic pieces provides a stepping stone for students, bridging the gap between the complexity of Beethoven's repertoire and the rewarding journey of mastering his profound musical language.

The Romantic era, spanning the 19th century, ushered in a profound shift in musical expression, where emotion, individuality, and innovation took center stage. Characterized by rich harmonic textures, passionate melodies, and explorations of the human experience, the piano became a primary vehicle for the expression of Romantic ideals. Composers during this era, such as Chopin, Liszt, and Schumann, pushed the boundaries of traditional forms and embraced the virtuosic potential of the instrument. The Romantic piano repertoire encompasses a wide range of emotions, from delicate lyricism to stormy passion, inviting both performers and listeners into a world of heightened expression and artistic freedom.

Robert Schumann, a leading figure of the Romantic era, left an indelible mark on piano music with his emotional depth and lyrical expression. For intermediate pianists seeking to delve into Schumann's world, 'Album for the Young' serves as an ideal starting point. This collection of short character pieces offers a delightful exploration of various moods and musical scenes, providing both technical challenges and expressive opportunities. Once mastered, advancing to Schumann's 'Scenes from Childhood' further enriches the pianist's journey. This set of miniatures delves into nostalgic, dreamlike realms, offering a heightened challenge in interpretation and nuance.

For a piano student, playing Chopin represents a journey into the heart of Romanticism, where emotion, nuance, and virtuosity intertwine. While much of Chopin's repertoire is renowned for its technical demands and expressive depth, delving into his compositions offers invaluable opportunities for growth and exploration. As an intermediate player, engaging with selected pieces like Chopin's waltzes provides a bridge to the composer's world, offering insights into his unique harmonic language, poetic lyricism, and delicate touch. While tackling Chopin's music may present challenges, it also promises immense rewards, nurturing not only technical skill but also sensitivity to musical expression and the rich tapestry of human emotion.

Technical etudes, exemplified by the exercises of composers such as Carl Czerny, Hanon, and Aloys Schmitt, serve as invaluable tools for pianists seeking to hone their technical proficiency and dexterity. While each composer approaches the genre differently, their etudes collectively offer focused exercises designed to target specific aspects of piano technique. Czerny's etudes, renowned for their musicality and melodic charm, provide a balanced blend of technical challenges and expressive depth. In contrast, the exercises of Hanon and Aloys Schmitt are characterized by their pure technical focus, aimed at developing strength, agility, and coordination in the fingers and hands. However, it's essential to approach these technical studies with care and mindfulness, ensuring proper technique and avoiding strain or injury. By incorporating a balanced regimen of technical etudes into their practice routine, pianists can cultivate a solid foundation of technical skill and pave the way for confident and expressive performances.

Carl Czerny, a prolific Austrian composer and pianist from the 19th century, is renowned for his significant contributions to piano pedagogy. Among his influential works are the Practical Exercises for Beginners, a collection designed to cultivate fundamental skills in aspiring pianists. Czerny's exercises are known for their systematic approach, focusing on technique, finger dexterity, and musical expression. Widely utilized in piano education, Czerny's Practical Exercises continue to be a valuable resource, guiding even advanced beginners through essential foundations for musical proficiency.

Hanon, the virtuoso pianist, left an enduring legacy in the realm of piano pedagogy with his renowned series of technical exercises. Designed to enhance finger strength, agility, and coordination, Hanon's exercises have become essential tools for pianists of all levels seeking to develop their technical proficiency. With their systematic approach and focus on repetitive patterns, these exercises aim to improve finger independence and control.

Aloys Schmitt's collection of over 200 Preparatory Exercises for the piano stands as a testament to his dedication to piano pedagogy. These exercises, meticulously crafted to address various technical challenges, offer pianists a comprehensive foundation for building strength, flexibility, and precision in their playing. With a focus on finger independence, dexterity, and control, Schmitt's exercises provide pianists with valuable tools for mastering the intricate demands of advanced repertoire.

Modern piano music encompasses a diverse and vibrant landscape of styles, techniques, and influences, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of music in the 20th and 21st centuries. From avant-garde experimentation to minimalist simplicity, modern piano compositions push the boundaries of traditional genres and embrace innovation in both form and content. Composers of modern piano music draw inspiration from a multitude of sources, including contemporary culture, technology, and global musical traditions, resulting in a rich tapestry of sonic exploration and artistic expression.

Sad and melancholic piano music offers a poignant escape from the stresses of daily life, providing both listeners and pianists with a therapeutic journey of introspection and emotional release. Through its emotive melodies and haunting harmonies, this genre serves as a sanctuary where individuals can immerse themselves in their own thoughts and feelings, finding solace in the evocative power of music. For piano players, engaging with sad pieces offers a cathartic outlet to express and process their innermost emotions, fostering a deeper connection with the instrument and providing a much-needed respite from the chaos of the world.

Éric Satie, known for his minimalist yet deeply emotive compositions like 'Gymnopédies' and 'Gnossiennes,' epitomizes the quest for calm and relaxing piano music. Modern composers such as Ludovico Einaudi, with pieces like 'Nuvole Bianche,' and Yann Tiersen, renowned for 'Comptine d'un autre été,' further enrich this realm with their evocative works. Alongside contemporary composers like Infinite Stream and Mattia Cupelli, they contribute to a rich tapestry of soothing piano music, each offering unique interpretations of serenity and introspection, resonating deeply with audiences seeking solace in melody.