Dance Caprice

Antha VirgilOp.58

RomanticObscurecapriceAllegro~3 min

About this piece

Antha Virgil's Dance Caprice Op. 58 is an engaging study in agility and finger control. The work is indicative of the late 19th-century pedagogical piano music found in American conservatories.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; fine finger independence within the hand; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Teacher notes

Focus on the coordination between hands during the rapidly shifting melodic figures.

Technical focus

speed-agilityfinger-independencearticulation

Mood

energeticbrilliant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Dance Caprice

Similar to Dance Caprice

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 Dance Caprice (Op.58) by Antha Virgil?

Dance Caprice (Op.58) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.

What level do I need to play Dance Caprice?

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 Dance Caprice?

A typical performance of Dance Caprice (Op.58) lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Dance Caprice?

Dance Caprice (Op.58) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Dance Caprice?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, 'S Wonderful by George Gershwin, Solfegetto in C minor, H 220 by Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.