MusicCoach difficulty
51/100
Intermediate
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
Pedaling
Sustain pedal
1
Style
Romantic style
1
Rhythm
Tempo rubato
1
Tone
Hand balance
1
Technique
Legato
1
Interpretation
Phrasing
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.
Balanced step
A genuine step up, without a jolt.
Balanced
Sonata in B flat major, D.617, op. 30
Franz Schubert
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up: this piece moves you into Intermediate (around grade 6 ABRSM/RCM). New compared with the previous piece: Style classique and Analyse harmonique — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Balanced
Piano Sonata no. 1 in C major, op. 2, no. 3
Johann Nepomuk Hummel
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up: this piece moves you into Intermediate (around grade 6 ABRSM/RCM). New compared with the previous piece: Style classique and Connaissance des formes — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Ambitious challenge
A useful leap with guided practice.
Challenge
Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor, op. 35
Frédéric Chopin
close skills
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Intermediate (around grade 6 ABRSM/RCM) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. New compared with the previous piece: Indépendance des mains and Connaissance des formes — practise it slowly and hands separately before any attempt at tempo: that is where tension builds up.
Challenge
Sonata in C major for piano four-hands, D 812
Franz Schubert
close skills
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Intermediate (around grade 6 ABRSM/RCM) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. New compared with the previous piece: Style classique and Indépendance des mains — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Same level
Same level
Rondo in C major, WoO 48
Ludwig van Beethoven
close skills
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Contrôle du toucher — what matters is quality of attack and evenness of tone, not speed.
Same level
12 Waltzes, 17 Ländler and 9 Écossaises, D.145, op. 18
Franz Schubert
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 4 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Caractère et style — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Same level
Minuet and 2 Trios in E major, D.335
Franz Schubert
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 4 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Rythme général — the pitfall is the pulse drifting as soon as the writing thickens: subdivide with the metronome.
The Andante con moto unfolds a calm, lyrical atmosphere punctuated by introspective surges, where singing melodies alternate with darker episodes requiring flexible expressive shaping. Technically, Connaissance des formes (3.6/5) is crucial to mark repeats and structural landmarks — you must identify phrase anchors and shape dynamics so transitions feel natural — and Pédale de sustain (3.1/5) demands precise pedal changes and releases to connect long lines without blurring the harmony. The piece belongs to Schubert's Romantic period and sits in his piano sonata output as an intimate, song-like movement rather than a display of virtuosity. I do not provide a reference interpretation because I am not fully certain I can cite a specific recording for this movement without risk of error.