How to Play “Sonatina Op. 20 No. 1, 3. Rondo” by Kuhlau on Piano (2 Levels, Free)

Listen and play: 2 levels

About the piece

The Rondo from Sonatina Op. 20 No. 1 is a sparkling, energetic movement written by Friedrich Kuhlau, a master of pedagogical piano literature. Published in the early 19th century, this piece is a staple for students due to its bright character and technical demands.

It is a perfect example of the classical Rondo form, where a main theme keeps returning between different episodes. It is more complex than a simple melody, requiring agility, clean articulation, and steady rhythm.

Which level should you choose?

• Right hand only: focuses on the main theme and primary melodic lines. Excellent for practicing finger dexterity and light touch.
• Both hands: the complete arrangement featuring the melody and the active, rhythmic accompaniment typical of Kuhlau's sonatinas.

This piece is considered intermediate. We recommend mastering the right hand first, as the interplay between hands requires careful coordination once both are combined.

Fingering and hand position

Because this piece involves frequent movement and scale-like runs, keep your hands relaxed and supple. Avoid locking your wrists, which helps in maintaining the light, playful quality required for the Rondo.

Focus on maintaining a consistent hand position, but be ready to shift your arm slightly to accommodate the melodic leaps. Ensure your fingers are curved, and pay close attention to precision when playing faster passages, as clarity is more important than raw speed.

Practice tips

• Listen to the recording multiple times to internalize the lively, dance-like tempo.
• Use the Rhythm mode to slow the piece down significantly until every note is crisp.
• Practice in small sections, focusing on one phrase at a time before linking them together.
• When transitioning to both hands, focus on the synchronization of the left hand's accompaniment against the right hand's theme.

Learn it step by step

Start by learning the right-hand melody alone, focusing on a steady pulse. Once the melody is comfortable, play it slowly while focusing on accurate fingering.

Next, learn the left-hand part separately until it feels natural. Finally, combine the hands at a very slow speed, gradually increasing the tempo only when you can play through the piece without hesitation or mistakes.

Frequently asked questions