Samuel James Berkahn's "Allemande No.1" is a contemporary interpretation of the allemande form, likely featuring intricate passagework and a clear, driving rhythm. It showcases modern harmonic language within a traditional structure.
Demands excellent finger dexterity and precise articulation to execute the rapid, often contrapuntal, sixteenth-note passages.
Allemande No.1 is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6.
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.
A typical performance of Allemande No.1 lasts about 3 minutes.
Allemande No.1 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.