Rondo capriccioso in E major

Felix MendelssohnOp. 14

RomanticFamousrondocapriceE majorPresto4/4~7 min
H6
Henle (estimated)
RCM 9ABRSM 8

About this piece

This piece is a classic example of Mendelssohn's 'elfin' style, featuring rapid-fire arpeggiated figures and light, agile textures. It serves as a brilliant showpiece that requires high-level finger dexterity and crisp articulation.

Teacher notes

The main technical hurdle is maintaining evenness and clarity during the rapid, delicate sixteenth-note passagework found throughout the piece.

Technical focus

speed-agilityarticulationflowing-sixteenthsfinger-independence

Mood

energeticbrilliantplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Rondo capriccioso in E major

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is Rondo capriccioso in E major (Op. 14) by Felix Mendelssohn?

Rondo capriccioso in E major (Op. 14) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.

What level do I need to play Rondo capriccioso in E major?

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 Rondo capriccioso in E major?

A typical performance of Rondo capriccioso in E major (Op. 14) lasts about 7 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Rondo capriccioso in E major?

Rondo capriccioso in E major (Op. 14) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Rondo capriccioso in E major?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Allegro in D minor, MWV W 33 by Felix Mendelssohn, Variations sérieuses by Felix Mendelssohn, Rondo a capriccio in G major by Ludwig van Beethoven — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.