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Play — Schumann : Sonata op. 118, no. 1 (1/4 : Lebhaft) · Sheetmusic2print (the player loads on click)
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Estimated from our difficulty score, not taken from an exam syllabus. Checked against 333 works on the ABRSM syllabus: the exact grade is right 7 times out of 10, and within one grade 99 times out of 100.
Difficulty estimate by MusicCoach on a scale of 1 to 100.
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This piano sonata unfolds in a contrasting mood where intimate, singing lines sit beside sharp rhythmic outbursts, creating a play of reverie and sudden tension. Technically, you will need to work the Phrasing (2.5/5) by shaping melodic lines so each phrase breathes, and the Half‑pedal (Demi-pédale, 2.5/5) to preserve harmonic clarity without blurring attacks, which requires very precise heel releases and fine hand‑to‑pedal coordination. The piece is part of Robert Schumann's solo piano output listed as opus 118,1; the supplied information states the period is unknown, so it is presented simply within his piano catalogue.