Preludes: Piano: Instrumental Album

Twelve Astrological Preludes were written over a period of roughly two years and several were broadcast on BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night as well as in other concerts. Aquarius was written in 1994 as a filler to a popular BBC solo piano series of the time called At the Piano. It was named Aquarius for programming purposes and as Elms left the studio the producer called after him 'Only eleven to go' and so Twelve Astrological Preludes came into being.The preludes which run in the usual cycle are based upon two melodic strands and there is one piece in each of the twelve major keys. The character and style of each prelude alludes to certaincharacter traits of its particular birth sign and each piece bears the initials of a friend born under that particular sign. Each prelude is prefaced by a printed description of some of the general characteristics deemed to be associated with that sign. These are of course generalisations! Some preludes show a little deference to some of my favourite 'masters'.Elms has recorded Twelve Astrological Preludes for the Herald label and they are available on the CD Moody Moves together with other pieces of his chamber music including the piano sextet from which the CD takes its name. More information is available at masterkeyboards.co.uk.

Besides being an influential and prolific composer Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was one of the great teachers of his day. He was a dedicated master of the keyboard always exploring and expanding his knowledge of the instrument. Technique was of paramount significance to Bach and he was always developing exercises to improve his students??? playing. Bach developed those exercises into the pieces presented in 18 Short Preludes. However these compositions are more than keyboard exercises. They are light airy fun works that reflect Bach???s love of the short simple prelude form. They provide the beginning student with an excellent introduction to the genius ofJ.S. Bach.This edition was carefully and methodically prepared by Willard A. Palmer. An introductory section offers a thorough explanation of trills mordents appoggiaturas and other proper ornamentation applicable to these preludes. This feature helps make this edition of Bach???s 18 Short Preludes the most practical and attractive one available.

Wide selection of fine pieces many difficult to find elsewhere. Included are harpsichord toccatas Capriccio on the Departure of His Most Beloved Brother Aria Variata 'alla Maniera Italiana' and the 6 Little Preludes as well as many lesser-known compositions ? over 40 in all. Authoritative Breitkopf

A selection of best-loved legendary music by one of the giants of the Baroque era appears in this magnificent compilation of keyboard works by Johann Sebastian Bach. Rich in unending melodic invention rhythmic flow and harmonic ingenuity beyond its time these pieces will delight amateur and professional pianists alike. Selections include Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue Italian Concerto Toccata and Fugue in D Minor and Prelude and Fugue in C Minor. Additional shorter works include Little Preludes Inventions Minuets. This superb compilation unites a generous selection of music in one convenient attractive and modestly priced volume.

Four of Debussy's most playable Preludes for Piano. Including 'Danseuses De Delphes' 'Des Pas Sur La Neige' 'La Fille Aux Cheveux De Lin' and 'Minstrels'. Grade: 7 - 8

Pedagogical in nature these editions offer insightful interpretive suggestions pertinent fingering and historical and stylistic commentary.The name Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) is synonymous with the Piano. Indeed every one of his compositions includes the instrument. His Preludes several of which are of only moderate difficulty show superb polish and inventive detail. Shaped by the tastes of the Parisian aristocratic salon these pieces make the most of a pianist's technical and musical abilities both in passages of virtuosity and in the variety of possibilities for emotional expression.