Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter

Nikolaos-Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis

ModernObscuretoccataVivace~5 min
H7
Henle (estimated)
≈ ABRSM 8 / ARSM≈ RCM 10 – ARCT

About this piece

This is a complex, avant-garde work that utilizes a wide range of articulation techniques to reflect the various terms for laughter in its title. The texture is extremely dense and rhythmically volatile, moving through various 'laughing' textures.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; repeated-note passages that require controlled, springy fingerwork; and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.

Beyond that, expect precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Teacher notes

Executing the rapidly repeating notes and wide-ranging leaps with clean articulation demands significant physical agility.

Technical focus

speed-agilityrepeated-notesdramatic-contrastarticulation

Mood

energeticdramaticplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter

Similar to Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

More Nikolaos-Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis, off the beaten path

Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 7 pieces (Late advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter by Nikolaos-Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis?

Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above.

What level do I need to play Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter?

A typical performance of Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter?

Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Chortle, cackle, cachinnate, guffaw, roar, giggle, snicker, snigger, titter?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include '...and keep the clay wet' by Nikolaos-Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis, 11 Transformations on Alkan by Nikolaos-Laonikos Psimikakis-Chalkokondylis, Ballade and Scherzetto by Robert Volkmann — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.