Allegro

Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach

ClassicalSpecialistsonataAllegro4/4~3 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 5

About this piece

This piece exemplifies the Empfindsamer Stil (sensitive style) associated with C.P.E. Bach. It is marked by sudden rhythmic shifts and delicate, highly nuanced ornamentation.

Teacher notes

Focus on crisp, detached articulation to reflect the stylistic demands of the late 18th century.

Technical focus

articulationfinger-independenceornamentationflowing-sixteenths

Mood

energeticpreciseplayful

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Not in your repertoire

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Allegro

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Browse all Henle level 4 pieces (Intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Allegro by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach?

Allegro 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 Allegro?

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 Allegro?

A typical performance of Allegro lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Allegro?

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

What pieces are similar to Allegro?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Solfegetto in C minor, H 220 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Canzonetta con 6 Variazioni, H.275 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Allegretto con variazioni, H.65 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.