Pieces to Play – Chopin, Schubert & Rachmaninoff!

This instalment in our Pieces to Play series features three popular late Classical and Romantic works for the advanced pianist. We begin with Chopin’s exhilarating ‘Minute’ Waltz and then move on to a prelude which was one of Rachmaninoff’s favourites to perform. Lastly, we conclude with Schubert’s deeply expressive Impromptu in G-flat major.

Chopin – Waltz in D-flat major (‘Minute’, Op. 64 No. 1)

The “Minute” Waltz continues to delight audiences and pianists over 175 years since it was composed. The publisher’s title suggested a “small” waltz, not one to be played within one minute. A more interesting story suggests that Chopin was actually inspired by seeing a little dog chase its tail! In any event, the piece endures as a favourite and is highly pianistic.

Fred Karpoff’s video lesson on this elegant work provides a guide on how to play it with ease, including the “tail-chasing” figure of the right hand, the lilting waltz rhythms of the left hand and three-dimensional shaping of the running eighth-note figures. Click here to view the full video on the Online Academy or on this video to watch a preview:

Sergei Rachmaninoff – Prelude in G Major (Op. 32 No. 5)

The crystalline G Major Prelude is one of Rachmaninoff’s more accessible works and has justly become a favourite of intermediate and advanced pianists alike. The left hand’s limpid quintuplets set the stage for the sparkling cantabile melody in the upper register with contrasting arabesque figures establishing a wistful atmosphere.

In this video lesson on the piece, Fred Karpoff demonstrates how to play it expressively with cantabile voicing, imaginative fingering, good cross-rhythms, well-timed rolls and lush pedalling. Click here to view the full video on the Online Academy or on this video to watch a preview:

Schubert – Impromptu in G-Flat Major (Op. 90 No. 3)

Schubert’s Impromptu in G-flat major is part of the first set of impromptus composed shortly before his death in 1828. Initially published in G major due to concerns about public reception, the piece is traditionally played in G-flat major, which despite having six flats, is often easier for pianists because it conforms to a more natural hand position.

The piece showcases Schubert’s mastery of maintaining a single texture throughout, with a lyrical melody in the upper voice, rippling triplet figures in the middle and a supportive bassline. Emotionally it takes listeners on a journey from a serene mood, through a turbulent middle back to a sense of calm. Schubert’s use of delicate dynamics, balanced phrasing and melodic simplicity combine to create a piece that feels deeply expressive and introspective.

Graham Fitch’s video lesson explores this sublime work in detail, giving extensive guidance on how to approach its technical and interpretive challenges. Click here to view the full videos on the Online Academy or on this video to watch a preview:

More Pieces to Play

Are you looking ideas and inspiration for new pieces to learn? Or are you a teacher searching for interesting repertoire for a student? Click here to view more instalments in our Pieces to Play series or click here to view a listing of our resources for the piano repertoire!