Ben Hur Chariot Race March

Edward Taylor Paull

RomanticSpecialistmarchC majorMarziale2/4~4 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 6

About this piece

This is a quintessential example of American descriptive piano music from the early 20th century, designed to evoke the excitement of the chariot race from the novel. It is defined by its relentless rhythmic drive and bombastic, programmatic character.

Teacher notes

The player must maintain a strict, percussive rhythmic pulse while navigating rapid-fire octave passages.

Technical focus

speed-agilityoctave-runsdramatic-contrastarticulation

Mood

energeticdramatic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Ben Hur Chariot Race March

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 Ben Hur Chariot Race March by Edward Taylor Paull?

Ben Hur Chariot Race March is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Ben Hur Chariot Race March?

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 Ben Hur Chariot Race March?

A typical performance of Ben Hur Chariot Race March lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Ben Hur Chariot Race March?

Ben Hur Chariot Race March is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Ben Hur Chariot Race March?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Piano Sonata No. 8 'Pathétique' by Ludwig van Beethoven, Solfegetto in C minor, H 220 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, Allegro in D minor by George Frideric Handel — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.