Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo

Johann Georg Nicolai

ClassicalObscuresuite

About this piece

A minor-composer keyboard divertimento aimed at the domestic market of the late 18th century. It showcases the characteristic galant style intended for amateur performance in salon settings.

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: Alberti-bass accompaniment kept quiet and even under the melody; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and fine finger independence within the hand.

Teacher notes

Maintain a steady, light touch in the left hand to ensure the delicate right-hand melodies remain prominent.

Technical focus

alberti-bassarticulationfinger-independence

Mood

elegantplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo

Similar to Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo

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 Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo by Johann Georg Nicolai?

Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo is rated Henle level 3 of 9 — late beginner repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 4–5. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.

What level do I need to play Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo?

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.

Where can I get free sheet music for Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo?

Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Divertimento per Dame su'l Cembalo?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include The Entertainer by Scott Joplin, Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich, Doll Dance by Nacio Herb Brown — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.