Bizarra

Benedito Nicolau dos Santos

RomanticObscurecaprice~4 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 6

About this piece

Bizarra is a rhythmic and highly spirited work that reflects the flair of Latin American 19th-century salon music. It is notable for its angular melodic lines and the energetic syncopation typical of its regional influences.

Teacher notes

Focus on the rhythmic drive and accentuation to capture the distinctive character of the piece.

Technical focus

left-hand-independencearpeggios

Mood

brilliantenergetic

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Not in your repertoire

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Bizarra

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Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Bizarra by Benedito Nicolau dos Santos?

Bizarra 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 Bizarra?

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 Bizarra?

A typical performance of Bizarra lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Bizarra?

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

What pieces are similar to Bizarra?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, 'S Wonderful by George Gershwin, Rondo capriccioso in E major by Felix Mendelssohn — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.