Question 1

How hard is Complainte du vieux nègre by José Ramon Sancho?

Accepted Answer

Complainte du vieux nègre is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

Question 2

What level do I need to play Complainte du vieux nègre?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How long is Complainte du vieux nègre?

Accepted Answer

A typical performance of Complainte du vieux nègre lasts about 4 minutes.

Question 4

Where can I get free sheet music for Complainte du vieux nègre?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

What pieces are similar to Complainte du vieux nègre?

Accepted Answer

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Canon by Sergei Rachmaninoff, Berceuse de guerre by John Alden Carpenter, Cambrian Ballade No.1 by Joseph Holbrooke — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.