No.5 Innocence
Description
Written in a clear, unadorned sound, "Innocence" is a short piece that sits like a moment of relief in the first half of the set, as the fifth study of Op. 100. That Burgmüller liked writing scenes from childhood is plain from the titles of the collection as a whole.
The right hand takes a continuously flowing figuration while the left confines itself to marking the beat in chords. Lasting under half a minute in F major and triple time, it is densely written, with almost no rests, and spans more than four and a half octaves as the right hand climbs into the upper register.
The challenge is keeping that continuous right-hand figuration even to the last note. When fatigue sets in towards the end, the evenness goes and the innocence goes with it. Supporting the hand as a whole rather than playing from the fingers alone, and keeping the left hand as light as possible so it never obstructs the flow, is what makes this short study hard to finish well.
A set of beginner études by Burgmüller, each bearing an evocative title, offering a classic way to develop technique and musical expression together.
Browse all songs in 25 Easy and Progressive Studies Op.100 →Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
What this piece teaches
"Innocence." A light piece in triple time, for learning a touch light enough to play fine figures and ornaments without strain.
How to practise it
- Keep the wrist loose rather than working from the fingertips alone; tension kills the lightness.
- Ornamental notes sit below the main ones. Check in the score view which notes carry the line.
About the Composer
Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmüller (1806-1874)
Johann Friedrich Franz Burgmuller was born in Germany and spent much of his career in Paris, where he composed the ballet La Peri. He is best remembered today for his pedagogical piano collections, especially the 25 Etudes faciles et progressives, Op. 100, whose accessible, tuneful pieces remain popular with beginning pianists. This site includes Nos. 1 to 18 of the 25 Etudes, Op. 100, beginning with "La Candeur" and "Arabesque."
View all works by Burgmüller →