I have to admit that Beethoven is my favorite composer so I may be prejudiced in my review of this set of his works selected and edited by Denes Agay. But, I don't think so.

The good news is that though I am at an intermediate level I can sit down and play most of the scores from sight. And, that is very important in playing the music in this book while teaching movement, rhythms and ballet.

The features of The Joy of Beethoven piano book are excellent for sight reading and using in the classroom. The notes are comfortably large and the pages turn without too much trouble. The book is perfect bound so what I do with a new copy is thumb through each page and press it open with my palm. This is almost like breaking in a new pair of dance shoes.

The selections included are: Tyrolean Air Op.107, No.1; Six German Dances; Sonata in G; La Marmotte Op.52, No.7; Walzer (1824); Happy and Sad Wo054; Rondo in C Wo048; Six Ecossaies (1823); Für Elise Klaverstück; Bagatelle in F Op.33, No.3; Sonata (quasi una Fantasia) Op.27, No.2 - First Movement; Minuet in G; Bagatelle in A Op.119, No.4; Adagio from Easy Sonata in C (1791); Andante Espressivo from Sonata Op.79. - Second Movement; Bagatelle in C Op.119, No.2; Andante (con Variazioni) from Sonata Op.14, No.2 - Second Movement; Variations On A Russian Song Op.107, No.3; Piano Piece (1821); Sonata Op.49, No.1.

Also included are themes from Concertos and Symphonies arranged by Denes Agay: Themes from - Symphony No.2, Op.36 - Second Movement; - Symphony No.7, Op.92 - Second Movement; Symphony No.8, Op.93 - Second Movement; - Piano Concerto No.3, Op. 37 - First Movement; - Piano Concerto No.1, Op. 15 - Third Movement; Violin Concerto Op.61 - First Movement; Symphony No.5, Op.67 - First Movement (Exposition).

I think it is enriching to introduce your students to the classical composers. Using this music for accompaniment and instruction is an opportunity that is easy to include in your classroom when a piano is already sitting ready.

Yes, I highly recommend this book of piano selections for your own enjoyment and use in teaching dance and movements.

Details - 80 pages by Yorktown Music Press, Inc.; December 31, 1998; 11.6 x 8.8 inches; ISBN-10: 0825680263; ISBN-13: 978-0825680267

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The Joy of Beethoven - Piano Music

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