Cacique

Ernesto Nazareth

ModernKnownrondoF majorModerato2/4~3.5 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 7ABRSM 6

About this piece

One of the classic Brazilian tangos by Ernesto Nazareth, merging European salon piano style with Afro-Brazilian rhythmic syncope. Its charm lies in its refined harmonic vocabulary and syncopated vitality.

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Teacher notes

The primary challenge is the rhythmic precision required to execute the syncopated bass line against the melody.

Technical focus

left-hand-independencearticulationvoicing

Mood

elegantplayful

Your status

Not in your repertoire

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Cacique by Ernesto Nazareth?

Cacique 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 Cacique?

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 Cacique?

A typical performance of Cacique lasts about 3.5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Cacique?

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