Confidence

Louis Adolph Krantz

RomanticObscureromanceA-flat majorAndante4/4~5 min

About this piece

This piece is a classic example of Romantic salon music, emphasizing a warm, sustained melody accompanied by arpeggiated figures. It aims for a graceful, refined aesthetic characteristic of Victorian-era piano music.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 3 this is a late-beginner piece — comfortable hands-together playing is assumed, and musical shaping starts to matter. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.

Teacher notes

The main challenge is achieving consistent voicing where the soprano melody remains distinct from the harmonic texture.

Technical focus

cantabilevoicingpedaling

Mood

sereneelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Confidence

Similar to Confidence

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 3 pieces (Late beginner) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Confidence by Louis Adolph Krantz?

Confidence is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Confidence?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 3 — meaning you can already play level 2–3 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 Confidence?

A typical performance of Confidence lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Confidence?

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

What pieces are similar to Confidence?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Amarante by Edouard Silas, Berceuse by Théodore Dubois, Andante sostenuto in A major by Johann Baptist Vanhal — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.