Circle V continues the set's exploration of modern harmonic progressions within a solo piano context. The piece is distinguished by its reflective, lyrical nature and its economical use of thematic material.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own; and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
Focus on the independence of the left hand to ensure the rhythmic pulse is maintained during expressive rubato sections.
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.
Circle I 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 Circle I lasts about 3 minutes.
Circle I 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 1st Sonatina by Kees Schoonenbeek, Circle II by Kees Schoonenbeek, Ballad by Kees Schoonenbeek — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.