Piano Level: Early Intermediate

20 pieces from Op. 27, Op. 39, Op. 51, Op. 88, and Op. 89 in progressive order.

Kabalevsky often quoted Russian writer Maxim Gorky that books for children should be “the same as for adults, only better.” In one volume the miniature masterpieces that Kabalevsky composed for piano students have been grouped by level of difficulty, drawn from various sets. The composer believed that “no piece of music, however short and modest, should pass by a child without touching his mind and heart.”

Contents: Playing Ball, Op. 27, No. 5 • Sad Story, Op. 27, No. 6 • An Old Dance, Op. 27, No. 7 • Lullaby, Op. 27, No. 8 • A Little Fable, Op. 27, No. 9 • Toccatina, Op. 27, No. 12 • Sonatina, Op. 27, No. 18 • Folk Dance, Op. 39, No. 17 • Galop Op. 39, No. 18 • Prelude, Op. 39, No. 19 • Five Variations on a Russian Folk Song, Op. 51, No. 1 • Tale of an Old Organ-Grinder, Op. 88, No. 3 • Chastushka, Op. 89, No. 25 • Melody, Op. 89, No. 29 • Fighting Song, Op. 89, No. 30 • Rabbit Teasing a Bear-Cub, Op. 89, No. 31 • Little Hippo Dance, Op. 89, No. 32 • Almost a Waltz, Op. 89, No. 33 • Melancholy Rain, Op. 89, No. 34 • By the Water, Op. 89, No. 35