Bach - 18 Short Preludes for Piano (Alfred Masterwork Edition)

Bach’s 18 Short Preludes is a long-standing staple for advancing piano students ready to step into Baroque repertoire. This Alfred Masterwork Edition, edited by Willard A. Palmer, brings together the Twelve Short Preludes and Six Short Preludes in one practical performance collection.

These pieces are frequently assigned once a student has developed solid reading skills, basic independence between hands, and consistent articulation. While labeled short, they are musically substantial. Students begin working more intentionally on voicing, phrasing, and clean finger technique—especially in contrapuntal passages.

Most teachers place this book in the late intermediate range (SMP Level 5–7). It works well for students transitioning from method books into standard literature or preparing for adjudications and festivals that require Baroque repertoire.

Palmer’s editing includes clear fingerings and performance guidance without cluttering the page. The engraving is easy to read, and the layout leaves room for marking articulation and phrasing in lessons.

At Chesbro Music, we often recommend this book for:

• Late intermediate students beginning formal Baroque study

• Students preparing for piano festivals or evaluations

• Teachers building a structured classical repertoire sequence

• Students who need shorter works rather than full suites

If your teacher has assigned “Bach Short Preludes,” this is the standard Alfred edition most instructors are referring to. If you’re unsure about level placement, bring in the student’s current repertoire and we’ll help you make sure this is the right fit.

Contents:

Twelve Short Preludes
Six Short Preludes

Specifications:

SKU: 125545
Publisher SKU: 00-601
UPC: 038081019796
ISBN-13: 9780739000410
ISBN-10: 0739000411
Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Editor: Willard A. Palmer
Publisher: Alfred Music
Published: June 1971
Edition: 2
Binding: Paperback
Series: Alfred Masterwork Editions
Format: Collection / Songbook
Instrument: Piano Solo
Level: SMP Level 5–7 (Late Intermediate)
Genre: Baroque
Form: Prelude
Language: English
Number of Pages: 48
Size: 9 x 12 inches
Item Type: Physical
Usages: School and Community
Shipping Weight: 0.5 lbs