These brief fugal sketches demonstrate Schubert's early mastery of contrapuntal writing, exploring complex voice leading within concise forms.
Clear separation of voices and precise rhythmic execution are essential.
4 Fugal Sketches (D.37a) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
4 Fugal Sketches (D.37a) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.