By DeeAnn Brown, NCTM - February 2006
What better way to begin the new year than by spotlighting another important form used in piano teaching – the Sonatina? This genre is a mainstay for instruction and an exciting achievement goal toward which to work. The assignment of a first Sonatina can be a celebration. It signals an arrival at the doorway to the world of classical music. I enjoy informing a student that he/she has reached a milestone in piano study and is entering a new level of repertoire.

When it’s time to plan repertoire choices for festivals, Music Progressions and recitals, we naturally think of the Sonatina literature. What a wealth of accessible materials this form gives us, although it is challenging to find early-level Sonatinas in much quantity.

Are you tired of the same two or three Sonatinas that seem to be chosen for every method?   I’m happy to list several elementary level books that will satisfy and give some diversification to your teaching. Teaching really is more interesting when you inject new life into it. I have found over the years that my favorite Clementi Sonatina is Op. 36 no. 4 in F Major. I also really like Kuhlau Op. 20 no. 1. These selections are NOT the ones that are published most often in collections. I think it pays to look around and seek out different material. It’s very refreshing to learn and hear a wide variety of music in your teaching week. This might not be for everyone, but I try not to repeat any repertoire between all of my students during a semester. This two-part article on Sonatinas will give you more than 18 volumes from which to choose…..close to 100 selections!

Most of the titles listed are collections. Because the levels are not completely consistent within each volume (they are progressive), I will use only Elementary and Intermediate categories. Take a close look at the material because of that rather broad approach. This listing order is my attempt at suggesting a progressive level of difficulty by book.

I hope that you find some wonderful new collections that you and your students really love!

Elementary

Lyrical Sonatinas, Book One, selected & edited by Victoria McArthur

Alfred Publishing Company

   Eight complete Sonatinas are arranged in order of difficulty, with practice directions, composer information, brief description of Sonatina form, creative work suggestions, practice record and glossary. First published in 2004, this collection is appealing for its complete package of helpful information, tips and variety of music.

Classic Sonatina in G, by Nancy Faber

FJH Music Company, Inc.

   An enjoyable three movement work featuring the G Major scale, primary triad triplets, cut time and a full range of dynamics.

Sonatina Masterworks, Book 1, compiled & edited by Jane McGrath

Alfred Publishing Company

   This collection is similar to the Book One, Lyrical Sonatinas, listed above. There is a suggested progressive order for study in the Preface, as well as an excellent worksheet for the student and teacher on the last two pages.

Selected Sonatinas, Bk One, compiled & edited by Keith Snell

Neil A. Kjos Music Company

   This volume offers eight selections, including Sonatinas of Biehl, Latour, Beethoven and Clementi. Mr. Snell includes a thematic index and an outline of Sonatina form. The Kjos Master Composer Library volumes are the lowest priced books in this listing.

Lyrical Sonatinas, Bk Two, selected & edited by Victoria McArthur

Alfred Publishing Company

   Nine Sonatinas are included in Book Two. One is by Martha Mier, with the others by Benda, Beethoven, Clementi, Diabelli and Spindler. The final selection is a Sonatina in d minor by Benda which is a nice departure from the usual printed one in a minor. Practice tips, historical information and glossary are included, as in Book One.

Lynes, Four Sonatinas, Op. 39, edited by Keith Snell

Neil A. Kjos Music Company

   Here are four complete Sonatinas by American composer, Frank Lynes (1858-1913). The first Sonatina of Op. 39 is included in Mr. Snell’s Book One, Selected Sonatinas and in the next listing edited by Jane McGrath. The price of $3.95 is an excellent value for 40 pages.

Sonatina Masterworks, Bk 2, compiled & edited by Jane McGrath

Alfred Publishing Company

   Book 2 in this series contains eleven Sonatinas, including the two by Beethoven (G Major & F Major) and others by Clementi, Kohler, Kuhlau, Latour, Lynes, Pleyel, Schmitt, Spindler and the short one movement in a minor by Kabalevsky. Be sure to note the very helpful “Performer’s Corner” on the last three pages.

Lichner, Three Sonatinas, Op. 4, edited by Keith Snell

Neil A. Kjos Music Company

   These Sonatinas are in the keys of C, F & G Major. If you are ready for a change from the usual Kuhlau and Clementi selections, give these pieces a try. I applaud Mr. Snell for offering the expanded choices for us in this field.

Spotlight on Classical Style by Catherine Rollin

Alfred Publishing Company

   Ms. Rollin has written four original pieces in the Classical style, two of which are Sonatinas. The Sonatinas in C and G Major are very appealing and have been used with success in my studio.

Selected Sonatinas, Bk Two, compiled & edited by Keith Snell

Neil A. Kjos Music Company

   In this volume there are nine Sonatinas, all of which are complete except for the Mozart Viennese Sonatina no. 1. All of the volumes in this series offer a thematic index, which is handy.

The Benda a minor one movement Sonatina is included here and is always an exciting choice for most students.

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