MusicCoach difficulty
60/100
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
Technique
Hand independence
1
Technique
Legato
1
Interpretation
Dynamics
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
Piano Sonata no. 20 in G major, op. 49 no. 2
Ludwig van Beethoven
close skills
low risk
to confirm
A short step up — but it is the one that moves you into Intermediate (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM). The skill that will carry the work: Connaissance des formes — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Gentle
Sonata for 2 Organs
Luigi Cherubini
close skills
low risk
to confirm
A short step up — but it is the one that moves you into Intermediate (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM). New compared with the previous piece: Demi-pédale and Connaissance des formes — 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.
Ambitious challenge
A useful leap with guided practice.
Same level
Same level
12 German Ländler, D.790, op. posth.171
Franz Schubert
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. The demand here is musical rather than mechanical: Phrasé — the notes will be secure long before the musical line: work in whole phrases, singing the main voice.
Same level
Waltz in E flat major, WoO 84
Ludwig van Beethoven
close skills
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. The demand here is musical rather than mechanical: Phrasé — the notes will be secure long before the musical line: work in whole phrases, singing the main voice.
Same level
Waltz in D major, WoO 85
Ludwig van Beethoven
close skills
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Elementary (around grade 5 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. The demand here is musical rather than mechanical: Phrasé — the notes will be secure long before the musical line: work in whole phrases, singing the main voice.
The II. Andante of the Sonata op.39 has a singing, intimate character, with a lyrical melody over often arpeggiated accompaniment that requires a sense of phrasing and subtle contrasts between tenderness and slight forward impulses. Technically, Knowledge of forms (3.6/5) is vital here: you must identify phrases and returns to shape breaths and climaxes, and Sustain pedal (3.1/5) requires precise pedaling to connect harmonies without blurring the voices. The piece belongs to the Romantic period and represents Weber’s lyrical piano writing within his sonata output.