Etude Op. 25 No. 9
Under a minute long and notorious all the same – the “Butterfly" étude, in which the right hand leaps without ever sounding heavy.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Frédéric Chopin
- Year
- 1837
- Origin
- Op. 25 No. 9
- Key
- G♭ major
- Level
- Advanced
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
Octave leaps in the right hand at a light touch and high tempo. Short, but without respite.
The real hurdle
The leaps from the wrist, not the arm – and with a loose thumb. Tense up and you are done after eight bars.
How long does it take?
One to three months for fifty-six seconds of music.
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?
Demands a light action. On heavy keyboards the butterfly turns into a hammer.
Instruments that suit it
Roland FP-30X EU approx. €590–680One step above entry level: stronger speakers, finer sound, same top action.
Casio AP-300 EU approx. €1,100–1,190Cabinet digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action action.
Kawai MP7SE EU approx. €1,400–1,550The stage all-rounder with Kawai’s RHIII feel – favourite of many pianists with stage jobs.
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 Etude Op. 25 No. 9?
Octave leaps in the right hand at a light touch and high tempo. Short, but without respite.
What key is Etude Op. 25 No. 9 in?
Etude Op. 25 No. 9 is in G♭ major.
How many keys do you need for Etude Op. 25 No. 9?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Etude Op. 25 No. 9?
Frédéric Chopin, 1837.
Can you download the sheet music for Etude Op. 25 No. 9 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 Etude Op. 25 No. 9?
One to three months for fifty-six seconds of music.
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