Library of Piano Classics

Synopsis

(Music Sales America). A compendium of the world's most loved music. True to the spirit of the great composers, this volume fills the needs of students and teachers. Over 100 works, including Schubert's "Moment Musical," Chopin's "Minute Waltz," Beethoven's "Rondo a Capriccio," and much more. Spiral bound.

Summary

Chapter 1: Sonatas

* Discusses the form and structure of sonatas, including exposition, development, and recapitulation.
* Example: Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" (Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2)

Chapter 2: Waltzes

* Explores the rhythmic patterns and harmonic progressions characteristic of waltzes.
* Example: Chopin's "Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 64, No. 3" (also known as "The Minute Waltz")

Chapter 3: Nocturnes

* Examines the atmospheric and lyrical qualities of nocturnes.
* Example: Chopin's "Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2"

Chapter 4: Impromptus

* Discusses the spontaneous and improvisatory nature of impromptus.
* Example: Schubert's "Impromptu in A-flat Major, Op. 90, No. 4"

Chapter 5: Arabesques

* Explores the delicate and intricate melodies found in arabesques.
* Example: Debussy's "Arabesque No. 1"

Chapter 6: Etudes

* Examines the technical challenges and finger exercises present in etudes.
* Example: Chopin's "Etude in C-sharp minor, Op. 10, No. 4" ("Revolutionary Etude")

Chapter 7: Preludes

* Discusses the brevity and contrasting moods of preludes.
* Example: Bach's "Prelude in C Major, BWV 846" (from The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book 1)

Chapter 8: Fantasies

* Explores the free and imaginative form of fantasies.
* Example: Mozart's "Fantasy in D minor, K. 397"

Chapter 9: Variations

* Examines the process of transforming and elaborating a theme through variations.
* Example: Beethoven's "Diabelli Variations, Op. 120"

Chapter 10: Overtures

* Discusses the use of overtures as introductions to operas or plays.
* Example: Mozart's "Overture to The Marriage of Figaro"