12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne

Francesco PetriniOp.28 No.2

ClassicalObscuretheme-and-variationsvariationsC majorAllegro2/4~8 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 5

About this piece

This set of variations by Petrini explores the popular Folies d'Espagne theme through a series of decorative and technical transformations typical of the late 18th century. It is distinctive for its idiomatic keyboard writing that bridges the gap between the harpsichord style and the emerging fortepiano.

Teacher notes

The primary challenge is maintaining clarity and evenness in the rapid sixteenth-note passages while executing historically informed ornamentation.

Technical focus

ornamentationflowing-sixteenthsarticulationfinger-independence

Mood

elegantenergetic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is 12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne (Op.28 No.2) by Francesco Petrini?

12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne (Op.28 No.2) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play 12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 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 Les Folies d'Espagne?

A typical performance of 12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne (Op.28 No.2) lasts about 8 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne?

12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne (Op.28 No.2) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 12 Variations on Les Folies d'Espagne?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 12 Variations on "Ah vous dirais-je, Maman" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.