Dance Suite

Richard StöhrOp.140

ModernObscuresuite~9 min

About this piece

Like his other suites, Op. 140 by Stöhr displays his rigorous academic training through sophisticated formal developments. The piece balances complex vertical sonorities with linear movement.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; big chords that need weight without harshness; and polyrhythms that have to lock together without sounding mechanical.

At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.

Teacher notes

Pay close attention to internal voicing to ensure the complex counterpoint does not sound muddy.

Technical focus

counterpointlarge-chordspolyrhythm

Mood

dramaticintellectual

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Dance Suite

Similar to Dance Suite

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 6 pieces (Advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Dance Suite (Op.140) by Richard Stöhr?

Dance Suite (Op.140) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play Dance Suite?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 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 Suite?

A typical performance of Dance Suite (Op.140) lasts about 9 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Dance Suite?

Dance Suite (Op.140) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Dance Suite?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Dance Suite by Richard Stöhr, Ballet Suite for Piano by Richard Stöhr, Partita No. 2 in C minor by Johann Sebastian Bach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.