Schumann Arabeske

[xerxais]

I'm thinking about requesting this piece.... What do you think the difficulty level is?

[jbmorel78]

In relation to what?

[stevebob]

In James Friskin and Irwin Freundlich's seminal Music for the Piano, the Arabeske Op. 18 is listed under the "Easier Compositions" heading (after Album for the Young Op. 68, Bunte Blätter Op. 99, Sonatas for the Young Op. 118 and Album Leaves Op. 124).  In their words:  "A more extended piece, very poetical in character, and not much more difficult than those previously mentioned."  (Blumenstück Op. 19 concludes the list of pieces in this "easier" group.)

According to Schumann Solo Piano Literature, edited by Carolyn Maxwell and William DeVan, it's rated "Early Advanced"; the technical requirements are listed as "smooth broken chords against legato melody, some widely spaced chords, singing tone, difficult pedaling, flexible line, appoggiaturas."

[orangesodaking]

I like this piece. My piano teacher is giving a recital in March, and this is his encore piece. It doesn't seem too technically difficult. The other posters above me provided wonderful information and I agree with it. You should play this piece!