Bonny Sweet Robin

John Bull

BaroqueSpecialistsuiteG major4/4~2 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 4ABRSM 4

About this piece

An English Virginalist piece, it is a set of variations on a popular folk melody of the Elizabethan era. It demonstrates the sophisticated contrapuntal style typical of John Bull.

Teacher notes

Maintain clarity in the complex ornamental figurations while keeping the underlying dance rhythm perceptible.

Technical focus

counterpointfinger-independenceornamentationarticulation

Mood

contemplativeelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Bonny Sweet Robin

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 Bonny Sweet Robin by John Bull?

Bonny Sweet Robin 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 Bonny Sweet Robin?

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 Bonny Sweet Robin?

A typical performance of Bonny Sweet Robin lasts about 2 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Bonny Sweet Robin?

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

What pieces are similar to Bonny Sweet Robin?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Allemanda Tr(egian) by Peter Philips, Bénédiction by Louis James Alfred Lefébure-Wély, 'Menuett' Helm 66/VI by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.