“Gurlitt - Op. 140, No. 10 - The Little Northerner” is classified as a Level 4 Piano work worth 3,068 points within the Road to Virtuosity progression system. It is categorized under Composers → Gurlitt, Cornelius and is part of the Romantic collection. The sheet music for “Gurlitt - Op. 140, No. 10 - The Little Northerner” provided on this website is available for non-commercial use. This means it may be downloaded, printed, studied, and performed for personal or educational purposes, but it may not be sold, redistributed commercially, or used as part of a paid product without permission.
Gurlitt’s “The Little Northerner,” Op. 140, No. 10 is a short Romantic character piece for piano, written in 3/4 time and marked Con moto. The music has a lively, traveling character, with dotted rhythms, quick eighth-note motion, slurred right-hand figures, and simple left-hand support. The piece is not overly long, but it gives students good practice with phrase shaping, changing dynamics, accidentals, and keeping a steady pulse while the melody moves smoothly across the keyboard.
Measures 1–4 introduce the main character of the piece. The right hand begins with a dotted rhythm and a short slurred figure, while the left hand gives simple chordal support. The music starts at mf and already has a forward-moving feeling because of the Con moto marking.
Measures 5–8 continue the opening idea with stronger energy. The right hand keeps the melody moving with slurred eighth-note patterns, while the left hand adds simple supporting notes. The dynamic grows to f, making this phrase feel more confident and full.
Measures 9–12 use more flowing right-hand motion. The melody becomes smoother and more connected, while the left hand supports with small bass figures. A decrescendo helps the music soften and move toward a quieter section.
Measures 13–17 bring a brief slowing and a softer new phrase. The score marks rit. before the music settles into p. The right hand plays gentle slurred patterns over longer left-hand notes, creating a calmer contrast after the stronger opening.
Measures 18–25 continue this softer middle section. The right hand moves in repeated flowing patterns, while the left hand often holds longer tones underneath. The music gradually builds through crescendos, giving the middle of the piece a steady sense of direction.
Measures 26–30 lead back into a stronger sound. The right hand continues the moving pattern, and the left hand supports with sustained bass notes and simple chords. The dynamic grows to f, and the music briefly becomes more dramatic before softening again.
Measures 31 to the end form the closing passage. The dynamic changes from p to mf and back to p, then the music slows with a final ritardando. The last chord is marked pp, giving the piece a quiet and gentle ending after its lively movement.
Interesting fact: Gurlitt’s Album for the Young, Op. 140 contains 20 short piano pieces. Like many Romantic teaching collections, it uses character titles and manageable textures to help students develop musical expression along with technique.
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