12 Variations on Marlborough's Air

Johann Paul SchulthesiusOp.11

ClassicalObscuretheme-and-variationsvariationsC majorAllegro4/4~9 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 5

About this piece

Schulthesius provides a sophisticated set of variations on the famous Marlborough air, reflecting the high-Classical standard of theme-and-variation construction. The piece is notable for its rhythmic vitality and the varied character of each subsequent variation.

Teacher notes

The technical difficulty lies in maintaining consistent tempo and articulation throughout the increasingly dense variation textures.

Technical focus

alberti-bassornamentationflowing-sixteenthsarticulation

Mood

energeticelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is 12 Variations on Marlborough's Air (Op.11) by Johann Paul Schulthesius?

12 Variations on Marlborough's Air (Op.11) 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 Marlborough's Air?

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 Marlborough's Air?

A typical performance of 12 Variations on Marlborough's Air (Op.11) lasts about 9 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 12 Variations on Marlborough's Air?

12 Variations on Marlborough's Air (Op.11) 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 Marlborough's Air?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 12 Variations on Marlborough's Air by Johann Paul Schulthesius, 12 Variations on an Allegretto by Johann Paul Schulthesius, Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.