Sonatinas, Volume I: Piano Book

These sonatinas balance formal elegance with genuine accessibility. You'll encounter the refined proportions and developmental thinking of the classical era without the pyrotechnics, creating a satisfying sense of musical architecture that rewards careful listening.

Early intermediate pianists ready to study formal structure through manageable repertoire. This book works especially well for students who need confident entry into classical form before progressing to longer or more technically demanding sonatas.

• Approach the ornaments as written rather than as optional embellishment; they're integral to the voice leading and phrasing of these pieces
• Use the provided pedaling markings as a foundation, then experiment with half-pedaling to maintain clarity in the faster passages while adding resonance
• Pay attention to the editorial fingering suggestions; they're designed to support natural hand position and efficient movement between sections
• Shape each movement's opening theme distinctly so the return of material in the recapitulation registers clearly for listeners

Feature individual sonatinas as student recital repertoire throughout the year, using different ones to mark progress. The variety of composers also makes this book excellent for a teaching recital exploring early classical keyboard writing.

• Recognizing and performing sonata form structures (exposition, development, recapitulation)
• Interpreting written ornaments in context
• Pedaling in classical style across varied textures
• Sight-reading in G major and F major keys
• Phrasing and formal articulation at appropriate tempos