Mariage d’Amour
A melody over broken chords that has been played at weddings for decades – often wrongly attributed to Chopin.
The piece at a glance
- Composer
- Paul de Senneville
- Year
- 1978
- Origin
- Known in Richard Clayderman’s version
- Key
- C# minor
- Level
- Intermediate
- Keys recommended
- 88
How difficult is it?
The broken chords run throughout with the melody above. Independence of the hands is the work.
The real hurdle
The left hand should carry, not lead. Play it too distinctly and the piece turns into an exercise.
How long does it take?
Six to ten weeks.
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 pedal and decay. On instruments with limited polyphony the accompaniment breaks off.
Instruments that suit it
Portable digital piano with Scaled Hammer Action II action.
Cabinet digital piano with GrandTouch-S action.
The 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
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
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 Mariage d’Amour?
The broken chords run throughout with the melody above. Independence of the hands is the work.
What key is Mariage d’Amour in?
Mariage d’Amour is in C# minor.
How many keys do you need for Mariage d’Amour?
88 keys are recommended.
Who composed Mariage d’Amour?
Paul de Senneville, 1978.
Can you download the sheet music for Mariage d’Amour for free?
This piece is under copyright. Sheet music is available only from licensed publishers – free PDFs found online are usually not legal.
How long does it take to learn Mariage d’Amour?
Six to ten weeks.
If this suits you
The most famous chord progression in music history – the basis for weddings and for half of pop music.
Chopin’s best-known nocturne – the melody sounds freely improvised but is precisely notated.
For years among the best-selling piano sheets at Musicnotes – two chords alternating, with a melody above …