L'Arabesque

History

L'Arabesque 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

• blog.henle.de
• enc.piano.or.jp
• henle.de

What to listen for

1. 1

   A crisp accompaniment introduction

   The lower staff plays two detached A-minor chords in each bar while the upper staff rests. Hear these two bars as part of the piece, setting up the pulse before the quick melody arrives.

2. 2

   A quick turn with a clear ending

   Four sixteenth notes move A-B-C-B, followed by a short A and a rest. The source asks for a light touch. Keep the little run connected, then make room for its detached ending.

3. 3

   Let the figure rise

   The next run climbs A-B-C-D to E, then leaves a rest. Compare its upward direction with the preceding turn without changing the underlying two-beat pulse.

4. 4

   Move the pattern to a new position

   A D-E-F-G run reaches A; the next figure climbs A-B-C-D to E. The lower chord changes under the first of these bars, with a crescendo indicated. Listen to both the rising melody and the changing accompaniment.

5. 5

   A different rhythm interrupts the runs

   After a rest, the upper part repeats E and moves to F. The following bar begins with D, rests, then holds another D across the barline. Notice the shift from quick runs to rests and sustained notes.

How to practise it

Combine light running figures with clear detached endings and a steady two-beat pulse.

1. Count the accompaniment introduction as part of the piece.
2. Keep the short runs connected and their landing notes detached.
3. Notice changes of starting position rather than repeating the same movement automatically.

How hard is it

About this piece

Collection

The study studio

Licence

Public Domain

Source

mutopiaproject.org

More by Friedrich Burgmüller

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