A Guide to the ABRSM Syllabus (2023 - 2024)

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J. F. F. Burgmüller - Velocity, Op. 109 No. 10

ABRSM Grade 6 – A6

Velocity is the tenth piece in a collection of small character studies by Friedrich Burgmüller (1806-1874). In the tradition of the very best studies, each piece presents a technical problem to be overcome and practised, while at the same time having a distinct musical appeal that raises it to the status of art. In Velocity, the main challenge is control of right hand semiquavers at high speed as the patterns move across the keyboard, even crossing over the accompanimental left hand’s repeated chords in two places. The player can develop the necessary leggiero touch by practising the semiquavers at first slowly with a precise staccato touch from the finger tip. When the passagework reaches the extreme upper register, the torso will need to balance on the right sitting bone in order to feel comfortable.

Resources & links This piece is available in print as part of the Piano Exam Pieces 2023 & 2024 Grade 6 publication here. Click here to view open domain editions for this work.