Bach-Schaum, Book Two: Piano Book

This Schaum edition bridges the gap between authentic Bach and accessible study repertoire by mixing original compositions with thoughtfully abridged arrangements. Pairing complete French and English suites alongside shorter standalone pieces gives students exposure to Bach's full architectural thinking without overwhelming intermediate pianists. The curated selection provides enough variety that students stay engaged while building the contrapuntal and stylistic tools they'll need for more complex Bach later.

Bach's keyboard music balances mathematical precision with profound emotional expression. These pages contain dance forms of gentle elegance, dark introspection in minor-key movements, and moments of quiet dignity. Playing through this collection feels like discovering logic and feeling woven together.

This book belongs in the hands of intermediate to early advanced pianists ready to study Bach seriously. Whether working through Schaum Method materials or supplementing another curriculum, students at this level can engage with complete suite structures while still building their technical foundation. Teachers use this book to introduce the Baroque keyboard repertoire that shapes musicianship for years to come.

• Distinguish the voices in each hand by listening through the score before playing. Bach's counterpoint only sings when you can hear each line as an independent melody.
• Shape phrases according to harmonic rhythm, not by rushing toward chord changes. Let the voice leading breathe naturally.
• Observe all repeats in the suites and dance movements. The architecture of these pieces depends on the structural weight of repeated sections.
• Apply minimal ornamentation; let the written notes speak clearly before adding embellishment. Period-appropriate restraint clarifies the harmonic structure.

Program individual movements from these suites in student recitals to showcase growing technical and stylistic range. The shorter works serve as recital openers that establish Baroque sophistication early in a program, while complete suite performances demonstrate advanced intermediate mastery. This book also provides excellent material for non-consecutive lesson-to-lesson study of period style and voice independence.

• Voice leading and independence across multiple melodic lines
• Baroque ornamentation and articulation conventions
• Harmonic analysis through figured bass understanding
• Rhythmic precision in allemandes, courantes, and gigue forms
• Hand independence and contrapuntal texture clarity
• Phrasing shaped by harmonic rhythm rather than bar lines