Ballade et valse d'Ophélie

Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg

RomanticObscureballadewaltzG minorModerato3/4~6 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 8ABRSM 7

About this piece

Bovy-Lysberg, a student of Chopin, heavily infused this work with the stylistic hallmarks of his teacher. It is distinct for its dramatic shifts between narrative, ballade-like sections and melancholic waltz episodes.

Teacher notes

The technical demand lies in transitioning smoothly between the dramatic ballade sections and the flexible, rubato-laden waltz themes.

Technical focus

rubatowaltz-rhythmcantabiledramatic-contrast

Mood

narrativemelancholicpassionate

Listen & watch

No video available for this piece.

Your status

Not in your repertoire

Sign in to track this piece

Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Ballade et valse d'Ophélie

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

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Ballade et valse d'Ophélie by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg?

Ballade et valse d'Ophélie is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play Ballade et valse d'Ophélie?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 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 Ballade et valse d'Ophélie?

A typical performance of Ballade et valse d'Ophélie lasts about 6 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Ballade et valse d'Ophélie?

Ballade et valse d'Ophélie is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Ballade et valse d'Ophélie?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Berceuse by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg, Canto alla mazurka by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg, Barcarolle by Xaver Scharwenka — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.