Intermediate

Chaminade - Idylle (No. 1 from Album des enfants, deuxième série, Op. 126)

ABRSM Grade 4 - B2

Cecile Chaminade composed around 200 piano works that have become popular because they are manageable by intermediate-level pianists. This picturesque, contented piece paints a pastoral scene in which the melodic line is exclusively in the right hand, the left hand accompanying with broken chord patterns. We achieve the singing style not only by projecting the melody over the accompaniment, but also by shaping the line by phrasing, breathing, and intonation (taking a tiny bit of time over larger intervals). Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) ... Read >>

Tchaikovsky - La nouvelle poupée (No. 6 from Album pour enfants, Op. 39)

ABRSM Grade 4 - B3

This beautifully constructed miniature is based on just one rhythmic pattern in the left hand - each bar is made up of a two-note repeated chord and a rest. Above this, the right hand sings (in four-bar phrases) and dances (two-note slurs). The middle section features many accidentals in the frequent modulations, demanding full attention from the player. The New Doll will not suffer from being played completely without the pedal. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) ... Read >>

JS Bach - Invention No. 4 in D Minor, BWV 775

One of the most beloved of Bach’s Inventions, this work is ideal for studying two-voiced counterpoint with equal challenges in each hand. In addition to melodic inversion, this lesson highlights how to apply three-dimensional solutions to scalar figures, detached arpeggios, and trills. Fred’s marked score provides detailed analysis of invertible counterpoint, harmony, sequence, and hemiola possibilities. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links Click here to download a Fred's marked score for this work or Click here to... Read >>

CPE Bach - Solfeggietto in C Minor

H220 Wq177:2

The term “solfeggietto” means an exercise, or little study. This much-loved little piece is a study in evenness of tempo and touch, but it is also a study in composition (how a piece of music may be constructed from the simplest of ideas). This series of videos provides an introduction... Read >>

Burgmüller - 12. L'Adieu (Farewell) in A Minor (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

L’adieu (The Farewell) tells the story of a departure, perhaps of a close friend or family member, and the resulting feelings of sadness and anxiety. The only respite from the turbulent emotions is to be found in the B section (from bar 17) - in C major, but even then this brief moment of warmth and respite is tinged with regret (the Ab in bar 24). The form of the piece is ternary (ABA) with an introduction and coda. The main technical problem posed by this étude is how to play the triplet quaver patterns at speed - with dynamics... Read >>

Heather Hammond - Changing Times (from Cool Piano 5)

ABRSM Grade 5 – C2

We find two time signatures – 4/4, featuring an expressive RH melody with a flowing LH accompaniment in quavers, and then a contrasting jazz waltz in 3/4, faster and with zingy syncopations. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022, Grade 5 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano Online Academy materials are based is © by The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is reproduced by permission of the copyright owner.... Read >>

Alwyn - The Sea is Angry

This video provides a walk-through of William Alwyn's The Sea is Angry which is an excellent piece for intermediate pianists who want to play something that will expand their sound.... Read >>

JS Bach - Prelude in D Minor, BWV 935

BWV 935

Bach's Prelude in D minor, BWV 935, is a perfect introduction to the two-part Inventions, and a little gem in its own right. In this From the Ground Up edition, we work on developing an overall dynamic scheme for the piece, and on achieving rhythmic vitality through note grouping.... Read >>

Handel - Allegro in F, HWV 488

ABRSM Grade 4 - A3

This lively courante-style Allegro in F major opens with a descending scale in a rhythm that might form the basis for scale practice in other keys too. As is typical in Baroque music, the performer needs to supply their own dynamic colouring and articulation according to “good taste”. Some of the notes in the quaver patterns might be slurred (to create an accent), others played short. Crotchets may be played legato, or slightly separated. Experiment with adding a crescendo in the ascending sequence at the start of the second half and find a special colour for the arrival in the... Read >>