Civic Disobedience Op. 166 is a dense, complex work that utilizes dissonant harmonies and sudden structural interruptions. It is notable for its exploration of aggressive, modern textures against silence.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; polyrhythms that have to lock together without sounding mechanical; and big chords that need weight without harshness.
The primary challenge is the rhythmic precision required to navigate complex polyrhythms and abrupt textural changes.
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.
Civic Disobedience (Op.166) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7.
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 Civic Disobedience (Op.166) lasts about 5 minutes.
Civic Disobedience (Op.166) 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 Big Beat by Mark Alburger, Camino Real by Mark Alburger, Broke Dance Intermezzi I by Mark Alburger — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.