Let us first demystify the title. Translated from French, "Les Classiques favoris du piano" means "The Favorite Piano Classics." The "1a" designation typically refers to the first volume, elementary level (often correlated with the first year or second year of study).
This book is not a method (it does not teach you how to read notes from scratch). Instead, it is a repertoire collection. It gathers the most beloved melodies from the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods—simplified and arranged specifically for beginner pianists.
"Les Classiques Favoris du Piano 1a" is more than just a songbook; it is a rite of passage for pianists. Whether you use a physical copy or a digital PDF, the repertoire contained within these pages provides the essential nutrients for a growing musician. It connects the student to the lineage of classical music history, proving that even the simplest pieces can be profound works of art.
If you are beginning your piano journey, this volume is the perfect companion to guide your first steps into the world of classical masterworks.
The Les Classiques Favoris du Piano - Volume 1A is a renowned collection of "very easy" classical piano pieces, selected and fingered by Théodore Lack and published by Editions Henry Lemoine. This volume includes 39 progressive pieces designed for beginner pianists. Full Piece List (Volume 1A) The following pieces are typically included in this volume:
Schumann: Mélodie (Op. 68 No. 1), Marche militaire (Op. 68 No. 2), Le Cavalier sauvage (Op. 68 No. 8), Le Gai laboureur (Op. 68 No. 10). les classiques favoris du piano 1a pdf
Beethoven: Sonatine in G Major (Anh. 5), Sonatine in F Major (Anh. 5), Romance, Bagatelle, Danse villageoise.
Clementi: Rondo in G, Sonatine in C Major (Op. 36 No. 1), Air suisse.
Mozart: Ariette, Valse favorite (K. 606), Sonate en Ut majeur, Rondo. Kozeluch: Bernoise, Romance, Sicilienne.
Steibelt: Rondino, Sonatine, Ländler, Rondo élégant, Rondo turc, Allegretto grazioso.
Hummel: Écossaise (Op. 42 No. 5), Rondo, Cantabile, Romance. Dussek: Rondo grazioso, Minuetto. Kuhlau: Rondo vivace, Sonatine in C Major. Let us first demystify the title
Others: Ariette (Cramer), Sonatine in G (Diabelli), Finale (Haydn), Rondo militaire (Pleyel). Resources and PDF
IMSLP: You can find various volumes and historical scans of this collection on the IMSLP (Petrucci Music Library) website.
Sheet Music Library: A digital table of contents and full volume scan is available at the Sheet Music Library (PDF).
Scribd: Digital copies are often hosted on platforms like Scribd. Les Classiques favoris du piano - Wikipédia
Charles Herve’s name is synonymous with the French piano school. His editorial approach is characterized by a respect for the original sources combined with a pragmatic understanding of a child’s hand size and musical comprehension. Instead, it is a repertoire collection
The editorial markings in the PDF and print versions—including fingerings, dynamics, and articulation—are carefully curated. They do not overwhelm the student but provide just enough guidance to ensure a stylistically correct performance. The fingering suggestions, in particular, are excellent for establishing logical hand positions that facilitate smooth phrasing.
The heart of the book often rests on the works of the Classical titans:
If you love "Les Classiques favoris du piano 1a," you will eventually finish it. Here is what to do next:
| If you liked this... | Try this next... | Why? | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Volume 1a | Volume 1b | The direct sequel; slightly harder keys (E-flat, A major). | | Les Classiques favoris | Masters of the Piano (Bärenreiter) | More authentic texts, less simplified. | | Simplified Classics | Piano Literature Book 1 (FJH) | Focuses exclusively on original student compositions by the masters. | | French approach | Méthode Rose (La Méthode Rose) | The famous French method that pairs perfectly with the Classics book. |
Searching for Les Classiques Favoris du Piano 1a PDF offers several practical advantages for the modern student: