MusicCoach difficulty
85/100
Master repertoire
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
Style
Character and style
1
Interpretation
Dynamics
1
Technique
Fast passages
1
Pedaling
Sustain pedal
1
Interpretation
Phrasing
1
Style
Romantic style
1
Technique
General technique
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 in A minor, D. 845
Franz Schubert
close skills
low risk
to confirm
A short step up, staying in Advanced (around grade 7 ABRSM/RCM). 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.
Gentle
Fantasy and Sonata c minor K. 475/457
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
A short step up, staying in Advanced (around grade 8 ABRSM/RCM). New compared with the previous piece: Analyse harmonique — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Balanced step
A genuine step up, without a jolt.
No suggestion yet.
Ambitious challenge
A useful leap with guided practice.
Challenge
Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960
Franz Schubert
close skills
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. The skill that will carry the work: Passages rapides — practise it slowly and hands separately before any attempt at tempo: that is where tension builds up.
Challenge
Piano Sonata c minor D 958
Franz Schubert
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. New compared with the previous piece: Connaissance des formes and Polyphonie à trois voix ou plus — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Same level
Same level
Impromptu f minor op. post. 142,1 D 935
Franz Schubert
new reflexes
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Advanced (around grade 7 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Trilles — practise it slowly and hands separately before any attempt at tempo: that is where tension builds up.
Same level
French Suite no. 5 in G major, BWV.816
Johann Sebastian Bach
new reflexes
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Advanced (around grade 7 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Style baroque and Ornements baroque — the notes are not enough: articulation and ornaments follow performance conventions best checked in an urtext edition.
Same level
Six moments musicaux
Franz Schubert
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, right at the edge of Intermediate (around grade 7 ABRSM/RCM): different ground, same level. What changes is the skill in play: Demi-pédale and Connaissance des formes — the pedal is set by ear, note by note: misjudged, it blurs the harmony instead of joining it.
The Andante sostenuto unfolds a mood of calm, contemplative unease, with a barely audible song that seems perpetually on the verge of cracking rather than a plainly serene melody. Technically, you will need to focus on Phrasing (2.5/5) by keeping a highly controlled legato and continuous line in the right hand, and on Nuances (2.5/5) by shaping very subtle dynamic inflections (very soft levels and narrowly placed crescendos) through precise arm weight and touch adjustment. This sonata belongs to Schubert's late piano works, reflecting the mature expressive voice in his piano output. A commonly cited reference performance is by Alfred Brendel.