Compositione No.1

Ehsan Saboohi

ModernObscureprelude
H6
Henle (estimated)
≈ ABRSM 7–8≈ RCM 9–10

About this piece

Compositione No. 1 is a contemporary work by the Iranian composer Ehsan Saboohi. It is distinctive for its integration of traditional Middle Eastern microtonal influence into a Western piano texture.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.

Beyond that, expect fine finger independence within the hand.

Teacher notes

The primary challenge involves navigating non-standard harmonic structures and complex, nuanced articulation.

Technical focus

voicingdramatic-contrastarticulationfinger-independence

Mood

mysteriouscontemplative

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Compositione No.1

Similar to Compositione No.1

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.

Browse all Henle level 6 pieces (Advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Compositione No.1 by Ehsan Saboohi?

Compositione No.1 is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8.

What level do I need to play Compositione No.1?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

Where can I get free sheet music for Compositione No.1?

Compositione No.1 is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Compositione No.1?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include La cathédrale engloutie by Claude Debussy, Chorální fantasie, JW 8/4 by Leoš Janáček, Berceuse élégiaque, BV 252a by Ferruccio Busoni — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.