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!
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[Beginner to Intermediate] Pieces You’ll Want to Play on Piano! Recommended Bach Works (21–30)
Invention No. 1 in C major, BWV 772J.S.Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sinfonias are a collection of 15 pieces composed in three-part contrapuntal writing.
Compared to the two-part Inventions, the interplay between voices is more intricate and the range broader.
The First Sinfonia features an expansive character with ascending motifs appearing in succession.
It’s ideal to perform in a way that preserves a flowing smoothness while clearly articulating the three voices.
Understanding the piece’s structure will make it easier to play, so in addition to practicing each hand separately, it’s recommended to practice by separating and focusing on each individual voice.
French Suite No. 5 in G major, BWV 816: GavotteJ.S.Bach
In studying polyphonic music, many piano learners tackle a classic piece: Johann Sebastian Bach’s French Suite No.
5 in G major, BWV 816, “Gavotte.” Although it was composed with performance on instruments like the harpsichord in mind, before the piano existed, it is now cherished as a piano work.
Combining courtly elegance with a charming quality that evokes an innocent child, this piece is recommended for a wide range of players, from adults to children.
While maintaining precise rhythm, perform it so as not to lose its lightness and sense of optimism.
Nine Little Preludes in C major, BWV 927J.S.Bach
When it comes to Bach’s little preludes, the Six Little Preludes and the Nine Little Preludes are well known.
This time, I’d like to introduce the Nine Little Preludes in C major, BWV 927.
This piece is simply structured and short, and its difficulty places it around the middle of the beginner level.
The left hand from measure 9 might seem challenging, but since there are few leaps and it’s relatively easy overall, even beginners who feel less confident with the left hand should find it approachable to play.
Nine Little Preludes in C major, BWV 924J.S.Bach
Among Johann Sebastian Bach’s works, many were compiled after his death by pupils and scholars and subsequently came to be known to the world as Bach’s compositions.
“Nine Little Preludes: No.
1 in C major, BWV 924” is one such piece, included in the Clavier-Büchlein for Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, named after Bach’s eldest son.
This refined work features gentle yet sparkling ornamentation throughout; it is best performed with a rounded, mellow tone that avoids harsh edges.
Invention No. 4, BWV 775J.S.Bach
Bach’s masterpiece Invention No.
4, BWV 775 is indispensable for studying classical music, especially the Baroque.
Because of its lively melody, many beginners may feel it sounds complex and difficult at first listen.
In reality, however, it’s a piece that fits well under the hands and is relatively easy to play—even without much dynamic contrast, it still comes across convincingly.
Since there are many accidentals, be careful to avoid mistakes when reading the score, and proceed with patient, careful practice.
Six Little Preludes in D major, BWV 936J.S.Bach
Among Johann Sebastian Bach’s works, there are many collections that were compiled and published after his death by pupils and scholars, and the Six Little Preludes is considered one of them.
Because all six pieces display highly developed compositional technique, some suggest that Bach may have written them with the idea of assembling them into a substantial collection.
No.
4 in D major offers a soothing sense of calm and peace.
When performing, listen closely to the interplay of the voices—especially the two right-hand parts that converse with each other—and shape the music with attention to their interactions.
Six Little Preludes in C minor, BWV 934J.S.Bach
A Bach classic for beginners: the Six Little Preludes.
They’re also known as the Six Small Preludes.
Among them, I’d like to recommend the Six Little Preludes in C minor, BWV 934.
It isn’t especially famous compared to the other little preludes, but its difficulty is relatively low, and as long as you can keep the left-hand part steady, it’s a piece that even children who have just started piano lessons can tackle.
There are no conspicuous leaps, so if you have small hands or find chords and jumps challenging, please give it a try!