MusicCoach difficulty
44/100
Elementary
Level of the complete work
We have no level specific to this movement. The figure above is that of the complete work: within a cycle, movements often differ widely in demand.
Estimated skills
Theory
Harmonic analysis
1
Theory
Knowledge of forms
1
Style
Classical style
1
Tone
Touch control
1
Technique
Hand independence
1
Technique
Two-voice polyphony
1
What to play next?
Each suggestion combines difficulty gap, risk, confidence and skill overlap. The first two cards in each column are the most useful pedagogically.
Gentle step
The safest next step.
Gentle
Variations, K.Anh.137
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
close skills
low risk
to confirm
A short step up, staying in Elementary (around grade 3 ABRSM/RCM). The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes and Style classique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Gentle
Divertimento in F major, Hob.XVIIa:1, "Il Maestro e lo Scolara"
Franz Joseph Haydn
close skills
low risk
to confirm
A short step up, staying in Elementary (around grade 3 ABRSM/RCM). New compared with the previous piece: Demi-pédale and Style classique — the pedal is set by ear, note by note: misjudged, it blurs the harmony instead of joining it.
Balanced step
A genuine step up, without a jolt.
Balanced
Sonata
Johann Christian Bach
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up, staying in Elementary (around grade 4 ABRSM/RCM). The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes and Style classique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Balanced
Piano Sonata in F major, K. Anh.135
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up, staying in Elementary (around grade 4 ABRSM/RCM). The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes and Style classique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Ambitious challenge
A useful leap with guided practice.
Challenge
Sonata in C minor, H. 209, Wq.60
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
close skills
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap while staying in Elementary (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes and Style classique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Challenge
Sonata in D major, H.505, Wq.83
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
close skills
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Intermediate (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes and Style classique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Same level
Same level
Minuets, K.315a
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 3 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. The skill that will carry the work: Style classique and Connaissance des formes — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Same level
March for Harpsichord in F major, CW A22
Johann Christian Bach
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 3 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Staccato and Style classique — practise it slowly and hands separately before any attempt at tempo: that is where tension builds up.
Same level
Singode: Belinde, H.695, Wq.112, no. 14
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 3 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Mémorisation and Style classique — memorise in sections and on harmonic landmarks, never by restarting from the top.
This Largo creates a hushed, inward character where phrases linger and time feels suspended rather than driven toward dramatic expression. Technically, focus on Analysis harmonique (3.6/5): you must identify and shape the small modulations and inner cadences so harmonic direction remains clear, and on Touch control (Contrôle du toucher, 2.5/5): the required gesture is a very supple legato with careful voicing so the cantilena sings without forcing the keyboard. The movement belongs to the composer's classical-period keyboard sonata output, occupying a more intimate, salon-like place in his catalogue.