Description
One of the preludes in Clementi's Op. 42 method, the minor-key companion to the prelude in C major. The book provides a prelude for each key, and the intention was that a pupil would limber up in the prelude matching the key of whatever piece came next before starting it.
In A minor and 6/8. Twenty-nine notes, over in about fifteen seconds. Like the C major prelude it does no more than break chords to sketch the outline of the key — but doing so on the same white keys while the sound turns minor makes it, for a beginner, a first experience of what a change of key is.
A beginner piece. Played back to back with the C major prelude, the ear hears major and minor divide on the same keyboard without a single accidental. Feeling each bar of 6/8 as two larger beats gives it flow. There is almost nothing here to tax the hand.
A piano method Clementi published in 1801, comprising 50 lessons that arrange famous Baroque and Classical works for solo piano.
Browse all songs in Introduction to the Art of Playing on the Piano Forte Op.42 →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Muzio Clementi (1752-1832)
Muzio Clementi was born in Rome and moved to England while still young, building a career in London as a pianist, composer, and instrument manufacturer. Often called the "father of the pianoforte," he wrote the study collection Gradus ad Parnassum and numerous sonatinas that remain staples of piano pedagogy. This site includes pieces from his Op. 42 tutor, built on "Ah! vous dirai-je, Maman" and melodies by Haydn and Mozart, along with movements from the Sonatina, Op. 36, No. 1.
View all works by Clementi →