Chung Lo

Charles N. Daniels

RomanticObscuremarchF majorAllegro2/4~2.5 min

About this piece

Chung Lo is an example of early 20th-century American popular piano music with an exoticized thematic character. It relies on repetitive rhythmic figures to build momentum.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 2 this is a beginner-level piece, where steady coordination between the hands is the main hurdle. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own.

Teacher notes

The focus should be on clean, detached articulation of the recurring melodic motive.

Technical focus

speed-agilityarticulationleft-hand-independence

Mood

energeticplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Chung Lo

Similar to Chung Lo

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 2 pieces (Beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Chung Lo by Charles N. Daniels?

Chung Lo is rated Henle level 2 of 9 — beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 2–3. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 3.

What level do I need to play Chung Lo?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 2 — meaning you can already play level 1–2 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 Chung Lo?

A typical performance of Chung Lo lasts about 2.5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Chung Lo?

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

What pieces are similar to Chung Lo?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Arrival of the Gecks by Charles N. Daniels, Blumenwalzer by Léon Jessel, Bluin' the Blues by Henry Ragas — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.