'Sirotek'

Antonín Leopold DvořákOp.5

RomanticSpecialisthumoresqueA minorAllegretto2/4~4 min
H5
Henle (estimated)
RCM 8ABRSM 6

About this piece

Sirotek, meaning 'The Orphan', is a poignant piece by Dvořák that captures the Slavic folk idiom common in his miniatures. Its distinctiveness lies in its shift between delicate, sorrowful melodies and rhythmic tension.

Teacher notes

Carefully manage the left-hand accompaniment to support the expressive, sighing motifs in the right hand.

Technical focus

rubatocantabilearticulationvoicing

Mood

melancholicnostalgictender

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 'Sirotek'

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

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'Sirotek' (Op.5) by Antonín Leopold Dvořák?

'Sirotek' (Op.5) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play 'Sirotek'?

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 'Sirotek'?

A typical performance of 'Sirotek' (Op.5) lasts about 4 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'Sirotek'?

'Sirotek' (Op.5) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'Sirotek'?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Pavane pour une infante défunte by Maurice Ravel, Quejas, o la maja y el ruiseñor by Enrique Granados, Bethena by Scott Joplin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.