Don Juan op.79

Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg

RomanticObscurewaltzAllegretto3/4~5 min

About this piece

Bovy-Lysberg's Don Juan piece is a lighter, salon-style adaptation that utilizes the waltz form. It is less about heavy transcription and more about charm and keyboard facility.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; fine finger independence within the hand; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.

Teacher notes

Maintain a steady, dance-like pulse while highlighting the melodic lines.

Technical focus

waltz-rhythmfinger-independencearticulationcantabile

Mood

playfulelegantenergetic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Don Juan op.79

Similar to Don Juan op.79

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.

More Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg, off the beaten path

Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 6 pieces (Advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Don Juan op.79 by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg?

Don Juan op.79 is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Don Juan op.79?

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 Don Juan op.79?

A typical performance of Don Juan op.79 lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Don Juan op.79?

Don Juan op.79 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Don Juan op.79?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Allegro de concert by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg, Divertissement brillant by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg, Ballade et valse d'Ophélie by Charles Samuel Bovy-Lysberg — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.