Photo: Kai Pilger

What is the hardest piano level?

The levels of difficulty of the piano music published by G. Henle Publishers Level gradetable Example 6 medium Chopin, Nocturnes op. 27, nos. 1 and 2 7 difficult Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 10, no. 3 8 Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 81a 9 Schumann, Toccata op. 7 5 more rows

henle.de - Levels of difficulty (piano) / G. Henle Verlag

Why is it called a 7th chord?

The name comes from the fact that the flat seventh occurs naturally in the scale built upon the root when it functions as the dominant (i.e., the...

Last updated Jun 23, 2022

What causes a piano to not hold a tune?

Humidity and wear are the two main causes, but sometimes little critters are the culprits. Soundboard cracks and rib separations can sometimes be...

Last updated Dec 21, 2019

Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide

Promotion

The levels of difficulty of the piano music published by G. Henle Publishers Level gradetable Example 1 easy Bach, Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach, nos. 4 and 5 2 Bach, Well-Tempered Clavier I, no. 1 Prelude C major 3 Beethoven, Piano Sonatas op. 49,1 and 2 4 medium Grieg, Lyric Pieces op. 12, no. 4 5 Schumann, Fantasy Pieces op. 12, no. 1 6 Chopin, Nocturnes op. 27, nos. 1 and 2 7 difficult Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 10, no. 3 8 Beethoven, Piano Sonata op. 81a 9 Schumann, Toccata op. 7

Guide to the levels of difficulty

“I don't know what ‘difficult’ means. Either you can play or you can‘t” – this was the rather terse comment by the great violinist Nathan Milstein, on being asked about the unbelievable difficulty of Niccolo Paganini's Caprice no. 1. The relativity of the evaluation of difficulty in music immediately becomes clear. Yet I gladly take up this great challenge, presented to me by G. Henle Publishers. For I am aware of how useful a guide like this can be, both from my own experience as well as that of many colleagues. In particular so as to be able to identify “appropriate” works. For example for music teachers, who teach at very different levels, from beginners to those preparing for music conservatories, but also for all those interested amateurs for whom this guide is intended. After careful deliberation I have settled on nine levels of difficulty, which I have divided into three groups: 1–3 (easy), 4–6 (medium), 7–9 (difficult). A number of parameters have been considered when assessing the level of difficulty. I have not just looked at the number of fast or slow notes to be played, or the chord sequences; of central importance are also the complexity of the piece’s composition, its rhythmic complexities, the difficulty of reading the text for the first time, and last but not least, how easy or difficult it is to understand its musical structure. I have defined “piece” as being the musical unit of a sonata, or a single piece in a cycle, which is why Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier” Part I comprises a total of 48 levels of difficulty (each prelude and fugue is considered separately), Schumann’s Sonata in f sharp minor op.11 only has a single number. My assessment is measured by the ability to prepare a piece for performance. Any evaluation of art or music will always be subjective, even if the aim was to be objective. Despite the fact that I have endeavoured to be as careful as possible, I am all too aware that the results of my work can be called into question, and am therefore grateful for any suggestions you might have.

Prof. Rolf Koenen © 2010

What is A suspended 4 chord?

As a general rule, the fourth is always two guitar frets above the minor third. Note that the sus4 chord is neither major nor minor (this is why we...

Last updated May 31, 2019

What music genre do people with ADHD like?

Many people with ADHD gravitate to instrumental music because it generally has a very structured rhythm that helps people focus. 3 In addition,...

Last updated Dec 13, 2020

Promotion

What is the most complex instrument to play?

The 7 hardest instruments to learn, play, and master Oboe. Violin. French horn. Piano. Hammond organ. Drums. Accordion. Dec 11, 2020

Last updated Mar 4, 2019

What color is C major?

Musical Key Colours and Characteristics. C Major - The key of childhood. Innocently happy and as pure as an angel. It's colour is azure. Apr 8, 2020

Last updated Nov 9, 2022

Promotion

Who invented 2 hand tapping?

In the '70s, a guitarist named Emmett Chapman discovered a technique for two-handed tapping on guitar, when one day he realized that if he raised...

Last updated May 22, 2019

Promotion

Is it illegal to bring ivory into the US?

You may import an object made of ivory if it is an antique. To be an antique the ivory must be at least 100 years old. You will need documentation...

Last updated Jul 29, 2021