For any aspiring intermediate pianist, the journey through classical music can seem daunting. But fear not! There's a treasure trove of beautiful and instructive pieces waiting to be discovered, and at the heart of it all are the delightful Sonatinas. Specifically, the Six Sonatinas, Opus 36 by Muzio Clementi, are an absolute must-play for developing pianists.

A gavotte is a French dance form that originated in the 16th century and became popular in the Baroque era (roughly 1600-1750). It is characterized by its moderate tempo, often in 2/2 or 4/4 time, and its distinctive rhythmic pattern that typically begins on the second beat of the measure. This gives it a graceful, often light, and sometimes stately feel.

The tarantella is one of Italy's most celebrated and lively folk dances, deeply woven into the nation's cultural fabric. Today it is widely recognised as a festive and lighthearted performance, particularly at weddings, its origins are ancient and remarkably peculiar, stemming from a belief in a "spider bite" cure.