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Pescetti - Presto (3rd mvt from Sonata No. 6 in C minor)

ABRSM Grade 4 – A1

Pescetti was an Italian composer of the Baroque era, known for his many operas and some keyboard pieces written for the harpsichord and early piano. The term “presto” tells us to play very fast; we find triplets almost throughout in the right hand that require considerable dexterity to bring off. To bring out the energy of this piece, make the suggested dynamic contrasts very clear, adding quick breathing places for punctuation. Enjoy the difference in character and resonance depending on which register of the keyboard we are playing in. Preview (please log-in... Read >>

JS Bach - Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (Menuets & Gigue, BWV 825)

This set of resources provides walkthroughs for movements from Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major (BWV 825) featured in the ABRSM examination syllabus. Menuets I and II (ABRSM Grade 6) make a beautiful contrasting pair of dances whereas the Gigue (ABRSM Grade 7) is unusual among Bach’s Gigues -... Read >>

Mozart - Allegro (1st movt from Sonata in F, K. 332)

ABRSM Grade 8 – A2

The first movement from Mozart’s Sonata in F, K. 332 is bursting with different ideas, contrasted so dynamically you would think you were at the circus! From innocent, graceful minuets to the drama of the hire-wire act (with its gravity-defying hemiolas) we aim to characterise each scene of the opera as vividly and as colourfully as possible. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for digital download individually from the ABRSM shop here or in print... Read >>

Kuhlau - Allegro (1st mvt from Sonatina in C, Op. 20 No. 1)

ABRSM Grade 6 – A3

Friedrich Kuhlau’s sonatinas are beautiful examples of sonata form in miniature, ideal vehicles for the study of sonatas by the Classical masters. The structure is crystal clear in this Allegro; we find a satisfying mix of cantabile melodies (accompanied by Alberti basses), brilliant passages in fast scales, and dramatic moments that feature left hand octaves (it is perfectly fine to add touches of pedal here). Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for digital download individually from the... Read >>

Mendelssohn - Venetianisches Gondellied (No. 6 from Lieder ohne Worte, Op. 19b)

ABRSM Grade 6 - B3

Mendelssohn wrote 48 Songs without Words - short, lyrical pieces most of which are suitable for intermediate players. Among these are several Venetian Gondola Songs. The composer is said to have had the idea for this piece when he was on board a gondola during his Italian stay in 1830-31, copying it out about six months later. Wistful in character, the main feature is the underlying rocking motion (supplied by the left hand) over which the right hand spins a melody (often in two voices). This piece presents a challenge with regard to pedalling; we are allowed discreet touches even... Read >>

Cimarosa - Allegro (3rd movt from Sonata in C minor, C.68)

ABRSM Grade 5 - A1

Famous for his comic operas, Domenico Cimarosa wrote more than 80 keyboard sonatas. This Allegro is the final movement of his Sonata in C minor, C. 68. We find fast spinning patterns in almost every bar, often featuring right hand repeated notes that add to the piece’s challenges. Along with much music from the period, there are no dynamic or articulation markings in the original manuscript. To bring the music to life on the piano, we need to find as much colour as possible - using dynamic contrasts and varying our touch. Key colour is an important consideration here, with... Read >>

Hensel - Bagatelle in F (No. 1 from Two Bagatelles)

ABRSM Grade 6 – B1

Resources & links This piece is available for individual purchase as a digital download here or in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2025 & 2026 Grade 6 publication here. Open domain editions are also available here. You can listen to a recording of this piece and others from this grade on Spotify using ... Read >>

Beethoven - Moderato (1st mvt from Sonatina in G, WoO Anh. 5)

ABRSM Grade 2 – A2

Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for individual purchase as a digital download here or in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2025 & 2026 Grade 2 publication here. Open domain editions are also available here. Click here to view our From the Ground Up edition which uses a reduced score to give you a step-by-step approach to learning this piece. You can listen to a recording... Read >>

Diane Hidy - Jinx (from Mean Little Monsters)

ABRSM Initial Grade – C3

This piece explores a wide range of the keyboard, moving from the bass register in the introduction to the high treble by the time we reach the coda (the four-note motive highlighting the sinister interval of the tritone, or augmented 4th). In the main part of the piece, the left hand stays in one spot while the right hand bounces above and then below, providing an excellent opportunity for the beginner to develop coordination between the hands. Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) ... Read >>