Schumann The Wild Rider (Album for the Young): piano tutorial

Schumann The Wild Rider: piano tutorial

A short, sweeping gallop: one of young pianists' favourite pieces.

Video coming soon

Right handLeft handOn the blocks: note names (C, D, E…)

Learn it note by note with Piano Learning

With “Wait for the note” the piece stops until you play the right key, on your phone or on your own piano (the app listens). Hands separately, speed from 10%, sheet music always in front of you.

Get it free on Google Play 4 free pieces to try. “The Wild Rider” and the whole catalogue with one single purchase, no subscription.

About the piece

This one also comes from the Album for the Young Op. 68 (1848). In less than a minute it tells of a wild ride, with a galloping rhythm in 6/8.

The melody starts in the right hand, moves to the left in the middle section in F major, and comes back to the right.

How to practise it

Feel the galloping rhythm (long–short): try tapping it with your hands.
The accompanying chords are detached and light.
In the middle section the melody is in the left hand: make it heard.
Slow at first, then livelier: the character is energetic.

Free sheet music

First page. Complete sheet music (PDF) on the Mutopia Project (CC BY-SA 2.5, edition by Philippe Hézaine); in the Piano Learning app you read it two pages side by side while you play.

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is short and repetitive: ideal after the first year of study.

How long is it?

Less than a minute.