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Romantic · etude

L'Adieu

Friedrich Burgmüller · Level 3, estimated · With Maestro

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The short answer

L'Adieu: expression meets technique. L'Adieu is an etude by Friedrich Burgmüller from the Romantic era. PlayPiano puts it at Level 3, an estimate.

On this page
  • etude
  • Romantic
  • stormy
  • ornaments

Also known as Farewell; Op. 100 No. 12.

History

L'Adieu is part of Burgmüller's 25 studies, Op. 100, first published in 1851. Written with small hands in mind, the collection combines technical study with musical expression.

Sources

What to listen for

  1. A small turn leads into the phrase

    The pickup E-F-E leads to E and D quarter notes. After a rest, the line returns with D and an ornamented descent. Hear the pickup as a lead-in rather than a separate full bar.

  2. Answer the opening, then change colour

    D moves down to C, echoing the preceding descent. After the rest, E-D-sharp-E introduces a chromatic turn with a crescendo. Compare the answer with the small change that points the phrase onward.

  3. A high arrival and descending line

    The melody jumps to a dotted-quarter D, marked sforzando, then descends through C, B, A, G-sharp and F. Shape the arrival and its release as one gesture, keeping the later eighth notes flowing.

  4. Let the solo line taper

    The upper line continues through E-D-C-B and A-sharp-B before reaching E and D. The lower staff rests throughout this bar. Diminishing and slowing are written here; listen to the exposed line's direction.

  5. A new triplet texture at the restored tempo

    A tempo brings in twelve upper triplet notes, starting C-A-C and continuing through rising and falling groups. The lower part moves in quarter notes. Hear the two rhythmic layers clearly rather than turning the triplets into uneven pairs.

How to practise it

Lead the pickup into a phrase that includes deliberate rests.

  1. Connect the three-note pickup.
  2. Leave room at the upper rests.
  3. Keep supporting pairs quieter.

How hard is it

Level 3, estimated

The early two-hand target values a connected melodic line and dependable support across the complete study, not simply correct pitches.

About this piece

Graphite and sepia interpretation of Friedrich Burgmüller with a receding crown, dark side curls and beard, wearing a nineteenth-century coat against ivory paper.
An illustration, not a portrait
Collection
The study studio
Licence
Public Domain
Source
mutopiaproject.org

More by Friedrich Burgmüller

  1. La CandeurLevel 3, estimatedOpen to everyone
  2. L'ArabesqueLevel 3, estimatedOpen to everyone
  3. BalladeLevel 4, estimatedWith Maestro

With Maestro

Play it, slow it down, hear where you land

Lead the pickup into a phrase that includes deliberate rests.

Practise it in PlayPiano