Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)
Mozart’s rondo – the earworm everyone wants to play faster than they can.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
- Year
- 1783
- Origin
- 3rd movement of the Piano Sonata in A major, K. 331
- Key
- A minor
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 76
How difficult is it?
Fast semiquaver figures and octaves in the closing section. Sounds easier than it is.
The real hurdle
The closing section with its octaves separates the arrangements. Up to that point the piece is well within reach.
How long does it take?
The first sections in weeks, the ending in months.
A rule of thumb, not a rule – how fast it goes depends on prior experience and practice time. This level is an assessment, not a measurement: most pieces exist in arrangements ranging from heavily simplified to concert level. The rating refers to the common arrangement.
Which instrument suits it?
Needs a keyboard with fast repetition; on heavy actions the tempo becomes a struggle.
Instruments that suit it
Roland FP-E50 EU approx. €690–780Portable digital piano with PHA-4 Standard action.
Yamaha Clavinova CLP-845 EU approx. €2,200–2,600The Clavinova upper class: GrandTouch-S action with wooden keys – CFX plus Bösendorfer Imperial on board.
Kawai MP11SE EU approx. €2,200–2,350Stage piano with Grand Feel action.
The catalogue lists 233 instruments with verified data – key count, action and connections documented rather than claimed.
Where to find the sheet music
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
Free: the historical editions
IMSLP holds the old, public-domain editions as PDFs – free and legal. Engraving and fingering reflect their era; anyone wanting a modern, easily readable edition is often better served by a paid one.
Modern editions and arrangements
Simplified versions, modern engraving and arrangements are available from the usual sheet music retailers. We will add direct links here shortly.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)?
Fast semiquaver figures and octaves in the closing section. Sounds easier than it is.
What key is Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca) in?
Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca) is in A minor.
How many keys do you need for Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)?
76 keys are recommended.
Who composed Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 1783.
Can you download the sheet music for Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca) for free?
The work is in the public domain: the term of protection – 70 years after the composer’s death – has expired. Note that a modern engraving or a new arrangement can still be protected. What is free are the old editions, not automatically every version.
How long does it take to learn Turkish March (Rondo alla Turca)?
The first sections in weeks, the ending in months.
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