W. Dean Sutcliffe investigates one of the greatest yet least understood repertories of Western keyboard music: the 555 keyboard sonatas of Domenico Scarlatti. Scarlatti occupies a position of solitary splendour in musical history. The sources of his style are often obscure and his immediate influence is difficult to discern. Further, the lack of hard documentary evidence has hindered musicological activity. Dr Sutcliffe offers not just a thorough reconsideration of the historical factors that have contributed to Scarlatti's position, but also sustained engagement with the music, offering both individual readings and broader commentary of an unprecedented kind. A principal task of this book is to remove the composer from his critical ghetto (however honourable) and redefine his image. In so doing it will reflect on the historiographical difficulties involved in understanding eighteenth-century musical style.

The Piano Prep Test is an ideal introduction to the ABRSM exam experience: it gives students a goal to work towards and a certificate on the day - something to be really proud of. The test covers many elements that beginner pianists will be working on, including pitch, time, tone and performance. Our Piano Prep Test book has exciting new pieces, easy to follow instructions, listening games and entertaining illustrations. For the first time it includes duets as well as solo pieces. Preparing for your Piano Prep Test has never been more fun!

The name of Ruckers is as important to early keyboard instruments as Stradivarius is to strings. This book describes in close detail the art and technique of the Ruckers family, who produced harpsichords and virginals throughout a period of over 100 years. Dr O'Brien provides detailed information about the construction and decoration of Ruckers harpsichords and virginals, as well as the numbering, pitch, stringing, and the determination of the original state of their instruments. Like Stradivarius violins, Ruckers instruments were later altered, and the nature and musical significance of these alterations are discussed, as is the influence of the Ruckers style on later building practice. The instruments in their original and altered states are considered in relation to the music of the time and to contemporary performance practice. The text is richly illustrated with diagrams and pictures of original instruments, and with plan-view photographs reproduced at a scale of 1: 10. The book also contains a partially illustrated catalogue of authentic and fake instruments, followed by extensive appendices.

Cool syncopation, funky riffs and smooth, stylish tunes - from dynamic to nostalgic, Pam Wedgwood's series has it all. Easy Jazzin' About Piano/Keyboard is a vibrant collection of original pieces in a range of contemporary styles, tailor-made for the beginner (grade 1-3) and including lots of tips and workouts. This new edition features a fantastic accompanying CD complete with performances, backing tracks, and slowed-down backing tracks for practice. So take a break from the classics and get into the groove as you cruise from blues, to rock, to jazz.

(Piano Solo Songbook). Rich piano solo arrangements with chord names of 21 of the best jazz gems of all time: Bernie's Tune * Birdland * Donna Lee * Footprints * Impressions * On Green Dolphin Street * Red Clay * Robbin's Nest * St. Thomas * Turn Out the Stars * Yardbird Suite * and more.

(Piano/Vocal/Guitar Artist Songbook). The collection fans have been waiting for Over 30 DMB hits arranged for piano and voice with guitar chords. Includes: Ants Marching * The Best of What's Around * Crash into Me * Crush * Everyday * Jimi Thing * Satellite * Say Goodbye * So Much to Say * The Space Between * Steady As We Go * What Would You Say * and more.

Mozart's piano sonatas form a richly diverse and significant part of his instrumental output, and span much of his mature composing career, thereby representing a microcosm of the composer's changing style. Part I examines the contexts in which the sonatas were composed and performed, and reviews likely sources of influence. Part II concentrates on the genesis of the sonatas and the surviving autographs, which reveal important information about Mozart's compositional process. In Part III the music is studied from the standpoint of rhetoric - a discipline featured in numerous contemporary aesthetic and theoretical textbooks on music - and proceeds through an investigation of the nature of the musical ideas, followed by a discussion of formal design and finally a consideration of the style. The resulting picture affords a cross-section of Mozart's compositional strategies.

Piano Mix is packed full of brilliant music that has been specially arranged for easy piano. It's a whirlwind of styles and genres from centuries gone by through to the present day. The repertoire reflects the type of music found in our Piano syllabuses. In Piano Mix 2 the pieces are mostly at Grade 2 standard, helping pianists progress to Grade 3 towards the end of the book. The series has been compiled and edited by David Blackwell with arrangements by Alan Bullard, Nikki Iles, Christopher Norton and Tim Richards to name a few. Every arrangement is enjoyable to play because it fits well under the pianist's hands while remaining faithful to the original work. Well-known music includes ballet music from Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker and 'The Muppets' theme tune. There are also lots of unsung melodies to be discovered like China's 'Kangding Love Song' and a traditional Scottish piece called 'Roaring Jelly'. From the orchestra to the opera and from folk to jazz, there's a world of music at your fingertips!

(Easy Piano Vocal Selections). Easy arrangements of 15 songs from this hit Tony -winning musical: Be Prepared * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Circle of Life * Endless Night * Hakuna Matata * I Just Can't Wait to Be King * King of Pride Rock * The Morning Report * Shadowland * They Live in You * more.

Encore is the official collection of best-loved ABRSM piano exam pieces, selected from syllabuses of the past few decades. Pianists will find an appealing mix of repertoire, while teachers can be confident that the perfect balance of content has been selected at every level. Book 4 features 14 popular pieces at Grades 7 and 8. Have fun exploring modern favourites and timeless classics, like Willie Wagglestick's Walkabout or Chopin's Nocturne in B, Op. 32 No. 1. Footnotes provide background information, a summary of the key skills that each piece develops, and new ideas for exploring the music. Whether you're working through our exams, playing informally, or planning a performance, Encore is full of music you'll want to play again and again! Perfect for learners exploring repertoire for the own-choice piece in ABRSM's Performance Grade exams

Pam Wedgwood's Piano Basics Pop (Pre-Grade to Grade 1) is a fantastic collection of pop hits such as Let It Go (from Frozen), Best Song Ever (One Direction) and Price Tag (Jessie J), as well as great original pieces by Pam Wedgwood. Teaching notes and practice exercises are featured throughout to help players learn and understand the pieces. Pam Wedgwood's Piano Basics Series provides the building blocks to develop a sound technique in an imaginative and practical way, whilst also establishing key musicianship skills. This book is ideal to be used alongside Pam Wedgwood's Piano Basics 2.