12 Dances

Hans Christian Lumbye

RomanticObscurewaltz3/4~10 min
H2
Henle (estimated)
RCM 3

About this piece

Hans Christian Lumbye's '12 Dances' are known for their lighthearted and accessible character, typical of the popular dance music of the 19th century. They offer cheerful melodies and straightforward rhythms.

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Teacher notes

Focus on a flowing legato and a graceful waltz rhythm.

Technical focus

waltz-rhythmcantabile

Mood

elegantgentlenostalgic

Your status

Not in your repertoire

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 12 Dances by Hans Christian Lumbye?

12 Dances is rated Henle level 2 of 9 — beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 2–3. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 3.

What level do I need to play 12 Dances?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 2 — meaning you can already play level 1–2 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is 12 Dances?

A typical performance of 12 Dances lasts about 10 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 12 Dances?

12 Dances is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.