Fantasia

August Eberhard MüllerOp.35

ClassicalObscurefantasyD minorAdagio4/4~5 min

About this piece

August Eberhard Müller's Fantasia Op. 35 reflects the transitional period between the high Classical and early Romantic styles. It features expressive harmonic shifts and an idiomatic use of keyboard ornamentation.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.

Teacher notes

The main technical hurdle is integrating fluid ornamentation into the cantabile melodic lines without disrupting the pulse.

Technical focus

ornamentationcantabilevoicing

Mood

contemplativemelancholic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Fantasia

Similar to Fantasia

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 August Eberhard Müller, off the beaten path

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

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Fantasia (Op.35) by August Eberhard Müller?

Fantasia (Op.35) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Fantasia?

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 Fantasia?

A typical performance of Fantasia (Op.35) lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Fantasia?

Fantasia (Op.35) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Fantasia?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Nocturne in B-flat minor, No. 1 by Frédéric Chopin, El Cant dels Ocells by Hideo Kamioka, Berceuse élégiaque, BV 252a by Ferruccio Busoni — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.