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Burgmüller’s Piano Pieces: From Classics to Hidden Gems, All in One Guide!

Johann Burgmüller, a German composer known as the creator of the études collection “25 Études, Op.

100,” which many piano learners pick up at least once.

He also wrote two other sets of études and ballet music, but they are seldom performed and thus remain largely unfamiliar.

In this article, we’ll introduce not only the most popular pieces from the staple “25 Études,” but also some of Burgmüller’s hidden gems cherished by dedicated classical music fans and pianists.

[Burgmüller's Piano Pieces] A comprehensive introduction from classics to hidden gems! (1–10)

18 Characteristic Studies, Op. 109, No. 18: Spinning SongJohann Burgmüller

Johann Burgmüller, a German Romantic composer, is best known for his piano etudes.

His works are highly regarded for combining technical challenges with musicality, and they continue to be widely performed to this day.

No.

18, “Spinning Song,” from 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109, is a charming miniature that pairs a beautiful melody with technical practice, demanding light and flowing piano technique.

This piece is ideal as an etude for intermediate players with a certain level of proficiency, offering opportunities to refine both musical expression and technical precision.

12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105 No. 4 “La Campanella”Johann Burgmüller

PTNA 2019 Competition National Final, D Class, No. 30, Gold Prize – Rei Nagata
12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105 No. 4 “La Campanella”Johann Burgmüller

Johann Burgmüller, a German composer widely known for his piano studies for children.

His “12 Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105” is a collection aimed at intermediate to advanced learners, designed to improve technical skills and enhance musical expression.

No.

4 in this collection, “La Campanella,” demands delicate expressiveness and advanced technique, making it ideal for developing independence between the hands and refining the ability to play complex rhythms and melodies accurately.

With continued practice, you will acquire musical beauty and rich expressiveness.

25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

20. Tarantella / Burgmüller 25 Etudes - Burgmüller: No. 20 La Tarentelle - Classical Piano - CANACANA
25 Etudes, Op. 100 No. 20 “Tarantella”Johann Burgmüller

Johann Burgmüller was born in Germany in 1806 and died in Paris in 1874.

A pianist and composer active during the Romantic era, he left numerous piano etude collections for children.

Among them, the 25 Easy and Progressive Studies, Op.

100, is especially famous.

No.

20, Tarantella, features the lively rhythms and fast tempo characteristic of the dance that originated in southern Italy, making it valuable for developing a pianist’s technique.

Filled with the composer’s desire to express passion and vitality through sound, this piece is perfect for late-beginner to early-intermediate piano students—and is sure to make performing enjoyable.

12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105: No. 11 “Harp of the North”Johann Burgmüller

Burgmüller: From 12 Etudes No. 11 “Harp of the North,” Op. 105-11. Adagio in A-flat major. Pf. Aki Kuroda
12 Melodic and Brilliant Etudes, Op. 105: No. 11 “Harp of the North”Johann Burgmüller

The German composer Johann Burgmüller left many indispensable pieces for piano learners.

No.

11, “The Harp of the North,” from his etude collection 12 Melodious and Brilliant Studies, Op.

105, which aims to balance technique and expression, is a striking piece with a melody that evokes the fantastical landscapes of the Nordic countries.

This piece demands delicate touch and rich expressiveness; rather than merely playing the notes, carefully reading the indicated dynamics and phrasing, expanding your imagery, and practicing attentively will enable you to deliver a moving performance.

18 Characteristic Studies Op. 109 No. 14 “Gondolier’s Song”Johann Burgmüller

German composer Johann Burgmüller was a pianist and composer active during the Romantic period, best known for his études for piano learners.

No.

14, “Barcarolle,” from his 18 Characteristic Studies, Op.

109—composed for intermediate-level students—depicts in sound the calm of drifting over a still surface of water, along with occasional surges of emotional waves.

By practicing with careful attention to tone color and phrasing, while grasping the composer’s intentions to richly convey the gondolier’s feelings as he sings, you will broaden your expressive range.

Let’s polish it with care so that the beautiful melody can truly sing.