Ballata

Josef Bohuslav FoersterOp.92

RomanticObscureballadeAdagio4/4~5 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 6

About this piece

Foerster’s work represents the introspective Czech Romantic style, emphasizing dense chromaticism and rich, lush harmonic progressions. It serves as a miniature tone poem for the keyboard.

Teacher notes

The challenge lies in voicing the inner melodic lines throughout the chromatic shifting chords.

Technical focus

cantabilevoicingdramatic-contrast

Mood

contemplativemysterious

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Ballata

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 Ballata (Op.92) by Josef Bohuslav Foerster?

Ballata (Op.92) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Ballata?

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 Ballata?

A typical performance of Ballata (Op.92) lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Ballata?

Ballata (Op.92) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Ballata?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie, La cathédrale engloutie by Claude Debussy, Gymnopédie No. 3 by Erik Satie — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.