Hungarian Dance No. 5
About this arrangement
Brahms wrote his Hungarian Dances for piano four hands, and the first set was published in 1869. No. 5 is based on a csárdás called Bártfai emlék by Béla Kéler, which Brahms thought was a folk tune. The four-hand original is in F-sharp minor; G minor is the key of Albert Parlow's 1876 orchestral version, which most people know.
The tempo keeps changing, slow then suddenly fast. Learn the fast sections slowly first, then practice the switches between tempos as separate exercises.
Start with short loops.
Use the section list as a practice map. Start at 50% tempo, loop one section, then return to the full piece once the hand shape feels stable.
Choose Right or Left to focus on one hand. Wait for note checks the highlighted notes as you play them on the screen or a connected MIDI keyboard.
Before you practice.
01 How hard is Hungarian Dance No. 5 on piano?
This arrangement is intermediate. It has quick passages and chords in both hands, and the tempo changes often.
02 How long is this arrangement?
It is 102 bars in 2/4 time.
03 What should I practice first?
The opening melody in the right hand, then the fast middle section hands separately at a slow tempo.
04 Is Hungarian Dance No. 5 a folk song?
Not exactly. Brahms based it on a csárdás by the Hungarian composer Béla Kéler, believing it was a folk song.
