The prelude has long been a favorite form for composers to work in, whether as introductions to fugues or as independent concert pieces. This unique collection offers a wide survey of famous preludes, from works by John Bull and Orlando Gibbons to those of Ravel and Rachmaninoff, plus examples of all styles in between.Early works include preludes by Purcell and Couperin as well as selections from Bach's The Well-Tempered Clavier. Beethoven's "Two Preludes Through All Twelve Major Keys," Op. 39, marks the transition toward the Romantic works, which include pieces by Chopin, Alkan, Mendelssohn, and Tchaikovsky. Other featured composers include Debussy, Satie, Scriabin, Albéniz, and Fauré. An indispensable addition to any music library, this compilation will provide pianists of an intermediate level and beyond with countless hours of enjoyment at their keyboards.