The gently rocking boat song from Offenbach's opera The Tales of Hoffmann, first performed in 1881, the melody of Belle nuit, o nuit d'amour. The original is in D major (or other keys); here it is moved to C major, so it stays on white keys.
How do you play Offenbach · Barcarolle on the piano, the easy way?
With one hand and 5 keys: put a finger on key 1, D4, and number the keys the song uses from there. Then press the numbers in order: 2 3 3 2 2 1 3 3 (in letter notes: E F F E E D F F). The whole song lasts about 26 seconds; the lesson on this page shows the next key and waits for you.
How many keys do I need for Offenbach · Barcarolle?
5 keys, all white keys, played with the right hand: 1 = D, 2 = E, 3 = F, 4 = G, 5 = A.
What are the first notes of Offenbach · Barcarolle?
In numbers: 2 3 3 2 2 1 3 3. In letter notes: E F F E E D F F.
Is Offenbach · Barcarolle free to play and share?
Yes. Offenbach · Barcarolle is in the public domain (Jacques Offenbach, The Tales of Hoffmann, Barcarolle (1881)). This easy arrangement, its number sheet and its MIDI file are free to use and share for learning.
Can I play it without a piano?
Yes: tap the keys on the page on a phone or tablet, or press the numbers 1–5 on a computer keyboard. The lesson waits for the right key and shows the next one.
How long does it take to learn?
The whole song lasts 26 seconds at 84 beats a minute. Most beginners play it through within a few tries; lower the speed with the slider to go slower.