Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach

Healey Willan

ModernObscurepreludeAndante4/4~3 min

About this piece

This is an organ chorale prelude by the Canadian composer Healey Willan transcribed or adapted for piano. It is characterized by lush, late-Romantic harmonic language layered over traditional contrapuntal textures.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.

Beyond that, expect precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Teacher notes

Maintain a smooth legato line while balancing the melodic chorale theme against the inner moving voices.

Technical focus

counterpointcantabilevoicingarticulation

Mood

contemplativelyrical

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach

Similar to Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach

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

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

Browse all Henle level 4 pieces (Intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach by Healey Willan?

Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach 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 Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach?

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 Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach?

A typical performance of Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach?

Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Chorale-Prelude No.2 – Andernach?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Chorale-Prelude No.1 - Puer nobis nascitur by Healey Willan, Chorale-Prelude on "Te Lucis" by Healey Willan, Chorale-Prelude on "Te Lucis", HWC 163 by Healey Willan — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.