Berlin Gallop

Charles Balmer

RomanticObscurerondoF majorVivo2/4~3 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 4ABRSM 4

About this piece

A high-energy showpiece meant to evoke the speed of a carriage gallop. It utilizes standard 19th-century salon figurations and rapid scale passages.

Teacher notes

The technical challenge lies in the rapid articulation of the sixteenth-note passages at high speed.

Technical focus

speed-agilityarticulationalberti-bass

Mood

energeticbrilliant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Berlin Gallop

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

Browse all Henle level 3 pieces (Late beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Berlin Gallop by Charles Balmer?

Berlin Gallop is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.

What level do I need to play Berlin Gallop?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 3 — meaning you can already play level 2–3 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 Berlin Gallop?

A typical performance of Berlin Gallop lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Berlin Gallop?

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

What pieces are similar to Berlin Gallop?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Cahokia Polka by Charles Balmer, Blue Beard Schottisch by Charles Balmer, Blanche Alpen with Variations by Charles Balmer — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.