Pianist contributor Matthew Mills offers up some hidden piano gems in his Top 5 Albums for the Young
Aside from the usual Schumann and Tchaikovsky albums, there's so much more to explore...
1 Kullak
Theodor Kullak, Kinderleben Op 81 (1854)
These charming pieces are appealing and atmospheric, and Grade 1 and 2 students can tackle them successfully. Kullak’s earlier set of the same name, Op 62 (1850), is slightly more challenging but players of Grade 3 or 4 and above will enjoy them.
2 Loeschorn
Albert Loeschorn Album für die Jugend Op 80 (1862)
A prolific writer of music for student pianists, Loeschorn’s Op 80 is approachable for lower grades, practical and imaginative.
3 Karganov
Genary Karganov Jugend-Album Op 25 (1891)
Progressively sequenced, this collection of eight pieces will keep pianists of Grade 1 to 4 standard busy. Occasional technical hurdles are worth overcoming, as these pieces are as much fun to listen to as they are to play. Karganov’s slightly earlier Für die Jugend Op 21 (1889), is slightly more challenging, but still worth exploring.
4 Schytte
Ludwig Schytte Für die Jugend Op 74 (1893)
Evocative and characterful, this wonderful collection suits the lower-grade pianist. Schytte’s music deserves to be better known, and this is an excellent place to start!
5 Reger
Max Reger Aus der Jugendzeit Op 17 (1895)
Not progressively sequenced, these 20 pieces are varied and engaging. Despite some technical challenges, they are gratefully written and full of character. Players from intermediate grades upwards will enjoy them.
Pick up the latest issue of Pianist which features FOUR Album for the Young scores inside!