We are offering free piano sheet music (PDF) of Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee”, famous for its super-fast scales.
The original is an interlude from the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan.
Since it is in the public domain, we provide a newly engraved version with an emphasis on readability.
Free Piano Sheet Music for “Flight of the Bumblebee”
You can download the piano score of “Flight of the Bumblebee” (original key, unabridged) for free from the button below.
What is “Flight of the Bumblebee”?
This piece is an interlude from Act III of the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, first performed in 1900.
Its rapid violin concerto–like chromatic scales vividly depict the fluttering of a bumblebee’s wings.
It also serves as an excellent etude for practicing trills and scales.
Recommended For
- Advanced players wanting to train ultimate finger speed with alternating scales
- Those looking for a short, dazzling piece for street piano or YouTube
Practice Tips and Points
Gradual tempo build-up — Practice in “gear shifts”: ♩=120 → 132 → 144 → 160 → 184, ensuring stability at each step.
Use finger spring — Keep the wrist relaxed and stable, striking closer to the center of the keys for faster rebound.
Consistent fingering for chromatic scales — Use the 6-note pattern “3-2-1-3-2-1” for one-hand runs, applying the same shape in both hands to reduce mistakes.
Express the Flutter of the Bumblebee
“Flight of the Bumblebee” is a brilliant showpiece that captivates audiences in just a few moments.
Download the free PDF and start practicing today!