Carl Philip Emmanuel Bach
1714–1788
Solfegietto
Carl Philipp Emanuel was the son of the monumental Johann Sebastian Bach. He and his other brothers—Johann Christian, Wilhelm Friedemann, and Johann Christoph Friedrich—all inherited their father’s wonderful talent and were musically famous in their own right. In this work, be mindful of the dialogue between the two hands, and use the “borrowed” fingerings (written above the left hand) to ease some passages.
Moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Arioso in G
An arioso is a short piece, usually found in a cantata, where a story is sung by a solo singer. Keep the slow Largo tempo consistent, and try to shape the phrases as a singer would.
Largo
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Affetuoso from Brandenburg Concerto No. 5
Bach composed six magnificent concertos for the Prince of Brandenburg. This melody is the opening of the second movement of the fifth. It is marked as affetuoso, meaning “affectionate.”
Moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 (opening)
This excerpt from the Brandenburg Concertos opens with a dialogue between the right and left hand. Keep the tempo steady so that the melody is uninterrupted. Also, use the left thumb on the repeated Ds to ease the right hand.
Moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Menuet from Anna Magdalena’s Notebook
This charming piece was found in a notebook of music Bach had written for his wife, Anna Magdalena. Some of the pieces were for teaching, but most were small gifts. Keep the mood merry and light.
Andante
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Invention in A Minor
Just like the other Inventions, this one was written to instruct new pupils. Here, Bach presents a challenging arpeggio workout. The music should flow evenly, helped by smoothness in the wrist and fingers.
Moderato
Johann Sebastian Bach
1685–1750
Wachet Auf (“Sleepers Awake”)
This wonderful melody is taken from a church, and translates into “Sleepers Awake.” Keep a firm hold on the tempo – don’t let the dips in melody slow you down. For the full effect, use dynamics to contrast different moods.
Calm and Steady
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770–1827)
Symphony No. 3 (theme)
Symphony No. 3 is nicknamed the “Eroica.” It was written to honor “heroes” and was originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte. Play the melody in a crisp manner, as if it were a military march.
Allegretto
Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770–1827)
Adagio Cantabile from Sonata No. 8
This famous piece is the opening to the second movement of the Piano Sonata No. 8, which is also kno...