Top 10 Baroque Piano Books to Own

Let's face it, building a piano music library can be easy - yet difficult when you're curating a specific musical era, or genre. There are so many books out there to choose from, from a variety of big-name publishers like Hal Leonard, Alfred, G. Schirmer, Belwin Mills, Kalmus, Kjos, Dover, and more! Where to start? 

First of all, I do love compendiums. Especially when they have a good selection of pieces from ancient to 20th century eras. But this still makes finding specific eras difficult when you're studying just the Baroque Era. You'll see a smattering of the typical names like Bach, Rameau, and the like. But they are always going to be the standard tunes we're all used to.

Things to look for in a book that you are wanting to add are the following:

• Short biography of the book or of the composer
• Notes (e.g., ornamentation suggestions)
• Table of Contents
• Large volume of work at a reasonable price (e.g., 100 pages for approx. $12, or 40 pieces for $15)

So, I thought it a short list of some books with a sizeable amount of Baroque Music was appropriate. Without further ado...

1. Scarlatti Masterpieces for Solo Piano: 47 Works
2. Henry Purcell: Keyboard Works
3. Joseph Haydn: Complete Sonatas Vol. 1 & 2
4. Dietrich Buxtehude: Keyboard Suites
5. Jean-Philippe Rameau: Complete Works for Solo Keyboard
6. Georg Philipp Telemann: The 36 Fantasias for Keyboard
7. Bach: Riemenschneider 371 Harmonized Chorales and 69 Chorale Melodies with Figured Bass
8. Bach: Anna Magdalena Bach Notebook
9. Johann Pachelbel: Organ Works
10. Francois Couperin: Complete Keyboard Works Vol. 1 & 2

Now, I don't suggest going out and buying every single one at the get-go. And these books are in no specific order. Peek at each of these composers and pick up the tomes you know will fill out your collection best. Start with a favorite, listen to a few pieces, Google a few pieces, then purchase the book(s) that make the most sense in your library. Make a list of top priority items, and items that can wait. Set up a Wishlist on your favorite site and remain within budget.

If you want to venture off this list, totally cool! Let me know your favorites in the comments below. I'd love to know what you think is in an essential Baroque collection!