'Ach du lieber Augustin'

Cornelius GurlittOp.115

RomanticSpecialistvariationsC majorAllegretto2/4~2 min
H2
Henle (estimated)
RCM 3ABRSM 3

About this piece

This is a pedagogical set of variations on a famous German folk melody. The work is distinctive for how Gurlitt adapts a simple tune into various technical patterns common in beginner repertoire.

Teacher notes

The student needs to maintain steady, even playing across the different textures used in the variations.

Technical focus

articulationfinger-independencealberti-bass

Mood

playfulenergetic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'Ach du lieber Augustin' (Op.115) by Cornelius Gurlitt?

'Ach du lieber Augustin' (Op.115) 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 'Ach du lieber Augustin'?

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 'Ach du lieber Augustin'?

A typical performance of 'Ach du lieber Augustin' (Op.115) lasts about 2 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'Ach du lieber Augustin'?

'Ach du lieber Augustin' (Op.115) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'Ach du lieber Augustin'?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Blumenwalzer by Léon Jessel, Bluin' the Blues by Henry Ragas, Bohemia by Joseph Francis Lamb — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.