Bucéphale

Louis Edme Dessaux

RomanticObscuretoccataF majorAllegro2/4~3 min
H3
Henle (estimated)
RCM 4ABRSM 4

About this piece

This iteration of Bucéphale by Louis Edme Dessaux serves as a light, exercise-oriented piece typical of the 19th-century salon repertoire. It focuses on the development of agility and rhythmic precision in the right hand.

Teacher notes

The primary hurdle is maintaining speed without compromising the clarity of the melodic line.

Technical focus

speed-agilityfinger-independencearticulation

Mood

energeticbrilliant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Bucéphale

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 Bucéphale by Louis Edme Dessaux?

Bucéphale 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 Bucéphale?

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 Bucéphale?

A typical performance of Bucéphale lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Bucéphale?

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

What pieces are similar to Bucéphale?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, 'S Wonderful by George Gershwin, Solfegetto in C minor, H 220 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.