Beginner to Intermediate: Recommended Bach Pieces You’ll Want to Play on Piano
Johann Sebastian Bach, also known as the “Father of Music,” was active during the Baroque era—before the piano became widespread.
In other words, Bach himself did not compose pieces for the piano, and most Bach works performed on the piano today were originally written for the harpsichord!
Baroque polyphonic music, built from overlapping melodic lines, is often avoided because it seems difficult at first glance.
However, many of Bach’s works are actually quite approachable and relatively low in difficulty.
In this article, we’ve selected Bach pieces recommended for beginner to intermediate pianists.
If you love Bach’s music or want to try your hand at Baroque music, be sure to check them out!
[Beginner to Intermediate] Pieces You’ll Want to Play on Piano! Recommended Bach Works (1–10)
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 1 in C major, BWV 846, PreludeJ.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach, the great composer known as the Father of Music.
This piece is one of his most famous works alongside “Minuet” and “Air on the G String,” and its difficulty is at an intermediate level.
It is a somewhat unusual piece in that, in competitions, a straightforward performance without much rubato or dynamic shaping tends to be rated more highly.
Since the opening right-hand sixteenth notes and pedal work can easily create dynamic contrasts, aiming to play those sections lightly and with a delicate touch will lead to a better performance.
Be sure to check it out.
Polonaise in G minor (BWV Anh. 119)J.S.Bach
This piece included in the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach is a brief yet captivating work in the form of the Polish folk dance, the Polonaise.
Its G minor tonality evokes a wistful atmosphere, and the dignified triple meter leaves a strong impression, conveying profound emotion despite its simplicity.
As one of the pieces composed for the notebook prepared for his wife in 1725, it reflects both domestic warmth and educational intent.
Structured in a typical two-part A-A-B-B form, it lasts about one minute, making it approachable not only for technical study but also for developing expressive skills.
It is an excellent choice for those who want to explore Baroque-style polyphony or learn a refined dance form.
Invention No. 2 in C minor, BWV 773J.S.Bach
Known as Invention No.
2, this work in C minor is a compelling piece that distills the contrapuntal techniques of the Baroque era.
As part of an educational collection compiled in 1723, it features a canon-like dialogue in which the right and left hands enter two measures apart.
Despite its brevity, it includes voice exchanges and modulations, requiring the performer to maintain independence and balance between the parts.
The introspective, austere atmosphere created by the key of C minor is striking, lending the piece an artistry that goes beyond a mere study.
It is recommended for those who wish to explore the beauty of counterpoint and the depth of Baroque music.
Offering both technical challenges and opportunities for musical expression, it is a valuable addition to a learner’s repertoire.
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No. 6, BWV 851: Prelude and FugueJ.S.Bach
The Well-Tempered Clavier, Book I, No.
6 in D minor, BWV 851: Prelude and Fugue is one of the pieces many piano students tackle when studying Baroque music from The Well-Tempered Clavier.
In this collection, the fugues are given such prominence that the feasibility of performance is often judged based on the fugue’s difficulty.
Conversely, the preludes are generally considered less demanding than the fugues.
It’s recommended to do some fundamental exercises and stretching before practicing, so that the trills appearing in each voice don’t produce a harsh tone.
Jesu, Joy of Man’s DesiringJ.S.Bach
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring is known as healing music and a piece many people dream of playing on the piano.
It is a melody from one of Johann Sebastian Bach’s church cantatas, and it is sometimes performed with chorus.
Because the piece has been published in various arrangements, you can choose sheet music that matches your level—one of the reasons it’s recommended for beginners to intermediate players.
Imagine the sound resonating through a high-ceilinged church, and savor each note as you play.
Gavotte from French Suite No. 4, BWV 814J.S.Bach
Here is a Baroque masterpiece that lets you savor the light, buoyant rhythms of the French dance style.
Composed between 1722 and 1725, it is known as the fourth movement of a suite and is structured as a clear, dynamic dance in 2/4 time.
It features the repeated use of a concise motif built from consecutive two-note figures, showcasing a superb fusion of Bach’s distinctive contrapuntal beauty with the elegance of a courtly dance.
Although originally written for harpsichord, it is commonly performed on the piano today, demanding a crisp sense of rhythm and a delicate touch.
Recommended for those who want to explore Baroque music or experience the charm of dance forms.
Five Little Preludes No. 1, BWV 939 in C majorJ.S.Bach
The Five Little Preludes are works preserved only in a manuscript copy by Johann Peter Kellner, a devotee of Johann Sebastian Bach.
In fact, there is still no definitive resolution to the debate over whether they are truly by Bach.
In No.
1 in C major, BWV 939, a repeated sequence—called a “sequence,” where a motif recurs at different pitch levels—is employed.
To keep the music from becoming flat and monotonous through mere repetition, bringing out nuances through the progression and changes in register can better convey the piece’s appeal.