How to Play “Ballade” by Burgmüller on Piano (2 Levels, Free)
Learn Burgmüller's Ballade on piano: listen to the beginner and intermediate versions, then play the level of your choice with falling notes, right in your browser.
Listen and play: 2 levels
Intermediate
Right hand
Advanced
Both hands
About the piece
Ballade is the fifteenth piece from Friedrich Burgmüller's 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100, published in 1851. It is a dramatic and expressive work that explores minor key tonality and rhythmic drive, serving as an excellent introduction to romantic piano music.
Because the piece involves active left-hand accompaniment and shifting melodic lines, it is an ideal study for developing independence between the hands while maintaining a steady, driving tempo.
Which level should you choose?
- Right hand only: focuses on the intense, syncopated melody and the phrasing of the expressive lines.
- Both hands: the complete piece, incorporating the energetic, rhythmic pulse of the left hand against the primary theme.
Fingering and hand position
Due to the active nature of the piece, keep your hands relaxed and fluid. The right hand often requires a light, agile touch to navigate the rapid shifts, while the left hand provides the steady foundation. Focus on maintaining a consistent hand shape to facilitate smooth transitions between the melodic sections.
Pay close attention to where the melody shifts from one finger to another; keeping your fingers close to the keys will help you maintain the required speed and clarity throughout the performance.
Practice tips
- Listen to the version first, then play it.
- In Rhythm mode, lower the speed to 50% or 75% for the first tries.
- Play the first phrase until it's clean before moving to the next one.
- Look at the screen, not your hands: the finger numbers appear on the keys.
Learn it step by step
To master the piece, start by practicing the right-hand melody at a very slow tempo to ensure every note is even. Once the melody is fluid, practice the left-hand accompaniment separately to internalize the rhythm. Finally, combine the hands at a reduced speed, gradually increasing the tempo only once you can play the sections without hesitation or errors.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ballade by Burgmüller easy to play on piano?
It is considered an intermediate piece, requiring good finger independence and coordination to manage the contrasting rhythm between the hands.
What is the key of this Ballade?
This piece is written in C minor, which contributes to its intense, dramatic, and somewhat dark musical character.
Who composed Ballade?
Friedrich Burgmüller, a German pianist and composer, included it in his collection of 25 Progressive Pieces, Op. 100.
How long does it take to learn Ballade on piano?
Depending on your current experience, it may take several weeks of consistent practice to master the phrasing and hand coordination required for this piece.
Which fingers do you use for Ballade?
The fingering requires a flexible hand that can adapt to rapid scale-like passages. Use a standard five-finger position and shift your hand comfortably when phrases move to new registers.
Can I play Ballade without a piano?
Yes. On DOLI PIANO you can play it with a tablet, your computer keyboard or any MIDI keyboard, for free and without an account.
Do I need to read sheet music to play it?
No. The falling notes show which key to press and when, and the finger numbers appear on the keys. You can learn to read music later.
What should I play after Ballade?
Other pieces from Burgmüller's Op. 100 such as Arabesque or La Candeur, or early Romantic works by composers like Schumann.
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