Cairngorms Traverse

Nicholas Murray BullivantOp.18

ModernObscurepreludeModerato4/4~5 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 6

About this piece

This modern composition evokes the landscape of the Scottish Cairngorms through impressionistic textures and shifting harmonic centers. It contrasts stark, declamatory gestures with more fluid, melodic passages.

Teacher notes

Manage the atmospheric pedaling carefully to avoid blurring the harmonic shifts.

Technical focus

pedalingvoicingdramatic-contrast

Mood

atmosphericcontemplative

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is Cairngorms Traverse (Op.18) by Nicholas Murray Bullivant?

Cairngorms Traverse (Op.18) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Cairngorms Traverse?

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 Cairngorms Traverse?

A typical performance of Cairngorms Traverse (Op.18) lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Cairngorms Traverse?

Cairngorms Traverse (Op.18) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Cairngorms Traverse?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Cairngorms Traverse by Nicholas Murray Bullivant, Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie, Gnossienne No. 1 by Erik Satie — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.