12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise"

Wolfgang Amadeus MozartK.353

ClassicalKnowntheme-and-variationsvariations~10 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 5ABRSM 4

About this piece

This set of variations by Mozart showcases his early compositional skill by transforming a simple folk tune into a series of diverse and charming musical ideas. The pieces are characterized by their clarity, melodic inventiveness, and subtle harmonic shifts.

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Teacher notes

Focus on precise articulation and graceful ornamentation across the variations.

Technical focus

ornamentationarticulationfinger-independencealberti-bassvoicing

Mood

playfuleleganttender

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise" (K.353) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?

12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise" (K.353) is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.

What level do I need to play 12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise"?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 3 — meaning you can already play level 2–3 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 Variations on "La Belle Françoise"?

A typical performance of 12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise" (K.353) lasts about 10 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise"?

12 Variations on "La Belle Françoise" (K.353) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.