Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion

Édouard WolffOp.61

RomanticObscuretheme-and-variationsAllegro4/4~7 min

About this piece

This piece is a characteristic example of a 19th-century operatic fantasy, recycling popular themes from Grétry's opera. It showcases idiomatic piano writing common in the salon culture of the era.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.

Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.

Teacher notes

Focus on balancing the ornamental figurations over the melody to maintain a light, singing tone.

Technical focus

arpeggiosornamentationcantabilevoicing

Mood

narrativeelegantplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion

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The next step up

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion (Op.61) by Édouard Wolff?

Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion (Op.61) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion?

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.

How long is Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion?

A typical performance of Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion (Op.61) lasts about 7 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion?

Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion (Op.61) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Divertissements sur Richard Coeur de Lion?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Divertissement sur Oberon de Carl Maria de Weber by Édouard Wolff, Barcarolle by Édouard Wolff, Diane by Édouard Wolff — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.