Choses en Soi (Things in Themselves) is a set of two pieces demonstrating Prokofiev's sophisticated harmonic language and contrapuntal mastery. The music is distinctive for its jarring shifts between lyrical introspection and acerbic dissonance.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; fine finger independence within the hand; and several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others, and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The primary challenge is balancing the intricate polyphonic lines while maintaining the underlying structural arc.
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.
Choses en Soi (Op.45) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
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.
A typical performance of Choses en Soi (Op.45) lasts about 8 minutes.
Choses en Soi (Op.45) 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 Toccata in D minor by Sergei Prokofiev, Autumnal by Sergei Prokofiev, Choses en Soi by Sergey Prokofiev — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.