Suzuki Piano School New International Edition Piano Book and CD, Volume 7: Piano Book & CD

Azuma's new recordings anchor Volume 7's ambitious leap into mature repertoire. Having a consistently excellent model at this level allows students to hear how Bach's counterpoint, Chopin's rubato, Debussy's impressionism, and Bartók's folk idioms each demand distinct interpretive approaches. The CD transforms what could feel like a scattered collection into a coherent masterclass in early advanced piano literature.

Volume 7 opens toward the concert hall. Mozart's Alla turca dazzles with virtuosity; Bach's architectural clarity demands intellectual focus; Chopin's Nocturne invites deep introspection and personal expression; Debussy paints impressionistic textures; Bartók draws from centuries of folk tradition. Each piece reveals a different facet of the piano's expressive possibilities.

Advanced and early advanced piano students ready to engage with substantial works from the Romantic, Impressionist, and modern eras. This volume suits students progressing through Suzuki Levels 7 and beyond who have developed the technical foundation and musical independence to explore pieces that demand interpretive maturity alongside technical facility.

• Listen to Azuma's interpretation of the Bach Prelude and Fugue multiple times before attempting the technical work. Note how his voicing articulates the fugal subject across registers without sacrificing the underlying harmonic structure.
• Use the Chopin Nocturne recording as your reference for controlling rubato. Observe where Azuma accelerates and where he breathes, then experiment with those same moments in your own performance before settling into your interpretation.
• Compare Azuma's approach to Bartók's Romanian Folk Dances with the original folk melodies if possible. Understanding how he balances authenticity with pianistic color will deepen your understanding of Bartók's compositional choices.

These works function as standalone recital material for advanced students rather than background studies. Consider pairing individual pieces (Mozart's sonata movement, the Bach prelude, the Chopin nocturne) across multiple student recitals throughout the season, allowing each work the performance context it deserves rather than requiring one student to master all of them simultaneously.

• Multi-voice independence and fugal thinking through Bach's contrapuntal writing
• Rubato and expressive phrasing in Romantic-era melody
• Impressionistic color and pedal technique in Debussy
• Rhythmic sophistication and folk idiom interpretation in Bartók
• Sonata form understanding across multiple movements
• Technical facility in figuration, ornamentation, and passage work across historical styles