Friedrich Burgmüller
Arabesque
in A Minor, Op. 100 No. 2
from 25 Easy and Progressive Studies

ID: 217

Decorative, dramatic fun

The verve and esprit of this study of rapid five-finger patterns makes it very enjoyable to both players and listeners. The left hand chords need to be played crisply and decisively and the dynamic and articulation markings (slurs, staccato, accents) followed carefully to achieve full effect. In the B section, the finger-work is taken over by the left hand. Short and unassuming as it is, this etude even features a dramatic "grand finale".

Background

This piece belongs to Friedrich Burgmüller's set of 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, one of the most widely used educational works in the repertoire.

Practice & Performance Tips:

This is an interesting study on five-finger patterns. Strive for an even touch and make sure that the last note of each slur has a slight wrist lift. This lift may help play the second beat more lightly, giving more charm to this study. The tempo marking Allegro scherzando means "lively and jokingly". The word "leggiero" means light. Do not force the sound, but play from your knuckles.

Analyze the harmony (left hand) for the A section and try to memorize its chord progression. Play each chord with a quick release for a crisp sound.

The B section has the five-finger pattern on the left hand now. Strive for a steady pulse without slowing down. Again, make sure you play the last note of each slur with a quick release/lift. This might become easier if you think of the first note in each downbeat as part of a line. Therefore, your bass line outlined in mm. 11-16 is G-sharp, A, G-sharp, A, C-sharp, D.

Give more excitement to the ending by keeping the beat steady (without speeding up or slowing down) and gradually crescendo until the end. The end is marked "risoluto" (firm and decided). The "sforzando" will help give a dramatic effect. Think of the last chord as the loudest point (or the largest ornament) in the entire piece.... Sign up for a Gold membership to read the practice tips.