Bach: Eighteen Little Preludes (Ed. Hans Bischoff): Piano Book

This collection bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate repertoire with remarkable efficiency. Each prelude tackles specific technical challenges while maintaining genuine musical substance, so students aren't wasting time on exercises that sound like exercises. The progression through varied keys and textures builds comprehensive keyboard facility without requiring years of preparation.

These preludes capture a elegant clarity and purposefulness characteristic of Bach's keyboard writing. The music unfolds with logical progression and architectural balance, each prelude balancing figuration work with melodic purpose. You'll find moments of simple beauty alongside technical passages that build hand facility without sacrificing musical integrity.

Early intermediate pianists building technique and musical independence through keyboard literature. Students moving beyond method book exercises will find these pieces rewarding for developing baroque style and contrapuntal awareness. Teachers seeking authentic pedagogical repertoire that grows with their students will value this collection as a cornerstone of their teaching library.

• Listen carefully to the natural phrasing implied by Bach's voice leading rather than imposing Romantic-era rubato; let the counterpoint speak clearly.
• Maintain even finger work in scalar passages by thinking of weight distribution rather than finger height, especially in the faster figurations.
• Shape each melodic line distinctly when voices overlap, using slight dynamic differentiation to clarify the counterpoint without disrupting the overall line.
• Approach hand position with flexibility; these pieces often require subtle shifts to accommodate chord spacing and maintain the legato Bach's texture demands.

These pieces work beautifully as recital openers, either individually or in small groups from the same key area. Consider programming a single prelude as a transition piece between more contemporary works to remind audiences of the keyboard tradition. Distribute them throughout a teaching year as students progress through different technical levels, allowing stronger players to revisit earlier keys at a more mature interpretive level.

• Baroque fingering patterns and hand position
• Voice leading and counterpoint recognition
• Scale and arpeggio fluency across multiple keys
• Legato touch and tonal control on the keyboard
• Sight-reading in baroque notation and style
• Independence of melodic lines
• Pedal restraint and clarity of texture