As the title suggests, this work utilizes atonal language to recontextualize the rhythmic vitality of Choro. It blends dissonant harmonic structures with the traditional melodic contours of Brazilian urban music.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
Beyond that, expect continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter.
Students must focus on precise articulation of the dissonant melodic lines without relying on functional harmonic cues.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.
Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Choro Atonal is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.
A typical performance of Choro Atonal lasts about 4 minutes.
Choro Atonal is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.
Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Beryllisations No.6 by Jailton de Oliveira, Beryllisations No.10 by Jailton de Oliveira, Beryllisations No.8 by Jailton de Oliveira — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.