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Piano Literature: Developing Artist Original Keyboard Classics

Milton Bell

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The piano repertoire is vast and ever-evolving, but there are certain core works that are essential for any developing artist to master. These original keyboard classics from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras provide a solid foundation in technique and musicality, and they continue to inspire and challenge pianists of all levels.

Piano Literature 1: Developing Artist Original Keyboard Classics

Piano Literature - Book 1: Developing Artist Original Keyboard Classics

by Marla Martenson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9437 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	40 pages

Baroque Era

The Baroque era (1600-1750) was a time of great innovation in music. Composers began to explore new harmonic and melodic possibilities, and the piano became the dominant keyboard instrument. Some of the most important Baroque keyboard composers include:

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750): Bach was a prolific composer who wrote for all genres of music, including piano. His Well-Tempered Clavier is a collection of 48 preludes and fugues that is considered one of the most important works in the piano literature. Bach's other major keyboard works include the Goldberg Variations, the French Suites, and the English Suites.
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759): Handel was a German-born composer who spent most of his career in England. He is best known for his operas, but he also wrote a number of important keyboard works, including the Suites de pièces pour le clavecin and the Harpsichord Suites.
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757): Scarlatti was an Italian composer who wrote over 550 sonatas for harpsichord. His sonatas are known for their virtuosic passages and their use of Spanish folk music.

Classical Era

The Classical era (1750-1820) was a time of refinement and elegance in music. Composers began to focus on clarity and balance, and the piano became the preferred instrument for soloists and chamber ensembles. Some of the most important Classical keyboard composers include:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791): Mozart was a child prodigy who composed over 600 works, including 27 piano concertos. His piano sonatas are known for their beauty and grace, and his Eine kleine Nachtmusik is one of the most popular classical pieces ever written.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Beethoven was a German composer who is considered one of the greatest composers of all time. He wrote 32 piano sonatas, which are known for their emotional depth and technical difficulty. His other major piano works include the Diabelli Variations and the Hammerklavier Sonata.
Franz Schubert (1797-1828): Schubert was an Austrian composer who wrote over 600 songs. He also wrote a number of important piano works, including the Piano Sonata in B-flat major, the Piano Sonata in A major, and the Impromptus.

Romantic Era

The Romantic era (1820-1900) was a time of great emotional expression in music. Composers began to explore new harmonic and melodic possibilities, and the piano became the dominant instrument for soloists and chamber ensembles. Some of the most important Romantic keyboard composers include:

Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Chopin was a Polish composer who is considered one of the greatest piano composers of all time. He wrote over 200 piano works, including nocturnes, études, preludes, and waltzes. Chopin's music is known for its beauty, elegance, and emotional depth.
Franz Liszt (1811-1886): Liszt was a Hungarian composer and pianist who is considered one of the greatest virtuosos of all time. He wrote over 700 piano works, including études, fantasies, and rhapsodies. Liszt's music is known for its technical difficulty and its use of innovative harmonies and rhythms.
Robert Schumann (1810-1856): Schumann was a German composer who wrote over 300 piano works, including sonatas, fantasias, and character pieces. Schumann's music is known for its lyrical melodies and its use of Romantic harmony.

The piano literature is a vast and ever-evolving body of work. The original keyboard classics from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic eras provide a solid foundation for any developing artist. By studying these works, pianists can develop their technique, musicality, and understanding of the piano repertoire.