Bouncing Betty

Carl Balfour

RomanticObscurecapriceF majorAllegro vivace2/4~3 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 5ABRSM 5

About this piece

A salon caprice that makes extensive use of register jumps and light, agile melodic figurations. It is notable for its 'bouncing' left-hand patterns that drive the thematic momentum forward.

Teacher notes

Ensure the left-hand leaps are accurate while maintaining a playful, light quality in the right hand.

Technical focus

speed-agilityarticulationleft-hand-independencearpeggios

Mood

energeticplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Bouncing Betty

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

Browse all Henle level 4 pieces (Intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Bouncing Betty by Carl Balfour?

Bouncing Betty is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.

What level do I need to play Bouncing Betty?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 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 Bouncing Betty?

A typical performance of Bouncing Betty lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Bouncing Betty?

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

What pieces are similar to Bouncing Betty?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 12 Variations on "Ah vous dirais-je, Maman" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, Waltz in D-flat major, No. 1 by Frédéric Chopin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.