Berceuse

Sigismond Thalberg

RomanticSpecialistberceuseD-flat majorAndantino6/8~4 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 6

About this piece

Sigismond Thalberg was a titan of the mid-19th-century virtuoso school, known for his 'three-hand' effect. This Berceuse showcases his ability to layer melodies over complex accompaniment with great elegance.

Teacher notes

The main challenge is the 'three-hand' technique, requiring a balanced distribution of the melodic notes between the thumbs.

Technical focus

cantabilevoicingrubatoornamentationpedaling

Mood

elegantlyricalserene

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 Berceuse

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 Berceuse by Sigismond Thalberg?

Berceuse 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 Berceuse?

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 Berceuse?

A typical performance of Berceuse lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Berceuse?

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

What pieces are similar to Berceuse?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 2 Airs russes variés by Sigismond Thalberg, Bonne humeur by Cécile Chaminade, Berceuse by Théodore Dubois — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.