Baroque Keyboard Masterpieces: 39 Works by Bach, Handel, Scarlatti, Couperin and Others
Dover Music for Piano Series
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
This excellent volume features a collection of works suitable for intermediate and advanced pianists. It includes pieces by iconic composers such as J.S. Bach, Handel, Couperin, Purcell, Rameau, Scarlatti, and Telemann, among others. Notable works highlighted in the collection include Bach's 'Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue', 'French Suite No. 5', and 'Fantasia in C Minor', BWV 906; Handel's 'Suite No. 5 in E Major'; Couperin's 'Les Tambourins'; Purcell's 'Suite in G Minor'; Rameau's 'La Poule'; Scarlatti's 'Sonata in D Minor,' K.9 ('Pastorale') and 'Sonata in G Minor,' K.30 ('The Cat's Fugue'); and Telemann's 'Fantasia No. 1 in D Major'. The volume also includes works by Buxtehude, Daquin, Dandrieu, and Lully, making it a comprehensive resource for exploring the rich repertoire of Baroque keyboard music.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions do you feel when you listen to Baroque music and how do you think the composers wanted to make you feel?
Which piece of music in this collection is your favorite and why?
How do the different composers in this book use instruments to express their ideas?
Can you imagine a story or scene that might go along with one of these musical pieces?
How do you think music from the Baroque period is different from the music you hear today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Play different pieces by each composer mentioned in the book to familiarize your child with their unique styles before diving into the book.
Encourage your child to draw or create art inspired by the music they hear from the collection.
While discussing the book, relate the music to emotions and stories to help your child connect more deeply with the Baroque compositions.
Ask your child to describe what kind of movie or video game could use a piece of music from the book as a soundtrack to help spark their imagination.
Listen to the music together and then take turns describing what kind of environment or scenario you both imagine while the music plays.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of cultural history
Explanation: This collection introduces children to masterful composers from the Baroque period, weaving a tapestry of historical context around the music.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and respect cultural heritage, which can foster a broader understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Persistence and practice
Explanation: Learning to play complex Baroque compositions underscores the importance of dedication and iterative practice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson to any skill they are learning, understanding that mastery takes time and consistent effort, whether in academics, sports, or arts.
Example Lesson: Emotional expression through art
Explanation: Baroque music often conveys deep emotions. By studying these pieces, children see how music can serve as a powerful form of expression.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and express their own emotions through creative outlets like music, art, or writing.
Example Lesson: Improvement in cognitive and motor skills
Explanation: Playing keyboard music, particularly complex pieces from the Baroque period, can enhance hand-eye coordination, memory, and concentration.
Real-World Application: These skills are transferable to academic subjects, particularly in areas requiring fine motor skills and critical thinking.
Example Lesson: Understanding of music theory and composition
Explanation: The book provides insights into the structure and theory behind Baroque music, which is foundational to Western musical tradition.
Real-World Application: This knowledge not only enriches a child’s musical ability and appreciation but also promotes a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and patterns used in music theory.