Intermediate

Kuhlau - Allegretto, Op. 55 No. 2

This delicate sonata form movement in Classical style contains many lovely ideas. We find smooth lyrical melodies contrasting with sprightlier themes, and the opportunity to explore the sonorities from the different registers of the piano. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link). Click here to view the index for our Guide to the Trinity... Read >>

Grieg - Arietta (from Lyric Pieces, Op. 12 No. 1)

Lyric Pieces, Op. 12, No. 1

Edvard Grieg’s Arietta, the first of his many Lyric Pieces, is a miniature gem of great refinement and poetry. This video walkthrough and From the Ground Up edition will help intermediate to advanced students to understand and communicate its expression, while learning some practice methods that can be applied to... Read >>

Burgmüller - 15. Ballade in C Minor (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

Ballade is surely one of the most popular studies from the set. The form of the Ballade is ABA with coda, the A sections in C minor, and the B section in the tonic major (C major). Marked Allegro con brio we will want to feel one main beat in a bar. The title Ballade simply means story, and there is no better piece for the intermediate player to use their imagination to decide what is happening in their particular version of the story. Perhaps we are about to enter a haunted house, the right hand repeated chords representing our... Read >>

Bruch - Moderato from Sechs Klavierstücke (Op. 12, No. 4)

Max Bruch’s delightful Moderato from Sechs Klavierstücke (Op. 12, No. 4 ) is set for ABRSM Grade 6, list B. The LH jumps need careful preparation. In this video I demonstrate in detail the techniques of quick cover, springboarding and selective landing to build up the necessary control and accuracy that will enable you to forget about the technical challenges posed by the LH and instead focus on the singing line above, and on creating a beautiful sound. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) ... Read >>

Schubert - Valse sentimentale, Op. 50 No. 13

This beautiful waltz by Schubert features a cross rhythm between the hands. Don’t miss this feature! The player will need to consider carefully how to use the pedal here - sometimes more, sometimes less. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link, see page 7). Click here to view the index for our Guide to... Read >>

Maykapar - Valse (No. 5 from Biriulki, op. 28)

Maykapar’s elegant waltz has plenty of colour and charm. The player can experiment with different types of pedalling to bring the music to life. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link, see page 9). Click here to view the index for our Guide to the Trinity College Piano Syllabus. Click here... Read >>

Chopin - Sostenuto in E flat

ABRSM Grade 5 – B1

Chopin's Sostenuto in E flat or Waltz in E flat was discovered as recently as 1941, by the Director of the Paris Conservatoire, Dr. Jacques Chailley. There are precious few works of Chopin that are suitable for the intermediate level pianist, so Grade V candidates will be extremely happy to... Read >>

Karen Tanaka - Lavender Field

ABRSM Grade 6 – C3

Lavender Field is a gently flowing piece where the composer invites us to “imagine weaving colour and scent with sounds”. Washed with pedal, there are some delicate moments and beautiful harmonic touches. Resources & links Piano Exam Pieces 2021 & 2022, Grade 6 is available from the ABRSM online shop here. Click here to purchase online from Presto Sheet Music or here to purchase from Sheet Music Direct (external links). The syllabus upon which these Practising the Piano... Read >>

Burgmüller - 9. La Chasse (Hunting Song) in C Major (from 25 Easy and Progressive Etudes, Op. 100)

The previous two studies were about delicacy and control of sound in the softer dynamic levels; La chasse has all the energy and colour of a hunt, with a dynamic range from pp to f. The form is rondo (A-B-A-C-A), with an introduction and a coda. We clearly hear the hunting horns and the galloping of horses’ hooves, and we feel the excitement of the occasion. Do we also detect a certain compassion for the poor fox in the troubled B section (dominant minor, poco agitato) and the expressive C section in the relative minor, marked dolente (sadly)? The staccato... Read >>