GP57 - Piano Literature - Volume 4 - Bastien (Music Through the Piano) Spiral-bound – July 3, 1974

I initially bought this book for an old friend because I borrowed the same exact book from him some twenty years ago and never returned it, intentionally! When he asked for it back long ago, I acted clueless about it and the guilt has plagued me ever since. I always wanted to replace it so I was thrilled to find it still in print and here on Amazon. The thing is, I reconnected with my friend recently but I just couldn't give up the new book, so I kept it for myself. I still have the old one (completely tattered and torn and turning brown) so maybe I'll just return that one to him instead. What's twenty more years of guilt.My favorite songs in this book are Prelude in C minor (Chopin) and Prelude in E minor (Chopin) both sad, slow, and sweet. A happier more up-beat song that's always fun to play is Sonatina (Kabalevsky). Also contains the popular poetic song Gymnopedie No. 1 (Satie).You can probably find most if not all of the songs of this book in the other newer and larger volumes in my other reviews. But I've always liked this book, it's a great standard collection.

The book is good. It was the wrong format. But I got a full refund from the selling.. Very good.

I had this book as a teen, & just bought it for my daughter. Great quality & music selections. I love the way it’s organized by musical era. You can’t go wrong with Bastien’s Piano Literature series.

It has the music I was looking for. It is a spiral bound book, which is easy to open and keep straight. The previous editions were not spiral bound, according to my piano teacher. Also, the print is large enough for easy reading.

My piano teacher recommended this book and I understand it has been around for awhile, reason being, this is a good one. Also of note, the print is large and legible. You do not always get that in a music book and I for one appreciate not having to strain my eyes trying to decipher small print. It has a nice variety in it and chances are you will find several pieces very much to your liking.

I like the selections and the print is easy enough to read and the spiral bound allows the book to lay flat well. However I’m not thrilled by the editorial notes. Not as clear or helpful as it’s Faber counterpart.

This book has many, many great pieces of music appropriate to the level. A great way to get a cross-period slice of music.

This is a wonderful collection of pieces if you are interested in the classics. Some of the pieces are a bit difficult for me, but I love them regardless and will keep picking away at them. I had played for about ten years, then stopped for five so I am a bit rusty. These are great pieces for improving hand strength and speed also if your looking for a showy piece.