This contemporary work utilizes sharp rhythmic pulses and idiomatic keyboard patterns to create an energetic, driving atmosphere. It is a stylistically modern piece that tests the pianist's agility and rhythmic clarity.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece, and fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo.
Maintain rigid rhythmic control through the syncopated passages to keep the energy drive consistent.
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 III 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.
A typical performance of Circle III lasts about 4 minutes.
Circle III 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 Circle V by Kees Schoonenbeek, Bal Masqué by Kees Schoonenbeek, Circle VIII by Kees Schoonenbeek — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.