'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations

Ferdinand RiesOp.105 No.2

ClassicalObscuretheme-and-variationsG majorAllegretto4/4~8 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 5ABRSM 4

About this piece

This is a characteristic set of variations on a popular Scottish folk tune by a prominent student of Haydn. It showcases the charming, light textures typical of the late Classical transition to Romanticism.

Teacher notes

Maintaining a steady pulse throughout the varying rhythmic subdivisions is essential.

Technical focus

ornamentationalberti-bassfinger-independencearticulation

Mood

elegantenergetic

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations

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

Browse all Henle level 4 pieces (Intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations (Op.105 No.2) by Ferdinand Ries?

'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations (Op.105 No.2) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.

What level do I need to play 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 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 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations?

A typical performance of 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations (Op.105 No.2) lasts about 8 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations?

'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations (Op.105 No.2) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to 'The Old Highland Laddie' with Variations?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include 'La Sentinelle' with Variations by Ferdinand Ries, Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.