This modern concert waltz explores neoclassical influences with a clean, light texture. It is distinguished by its rhythmic precision and clear melodic motifs.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
The articulation must be crisp and defined to suit the modern aesthetic of the work.
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.
Concert Waltz is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.
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.
A typical performance of Concert Waltz lasts about 4 minutes.
Concert Waltz 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 All'Antica by Jeff Manookian, Concert Paraphrase on Bach's 'Jesus bleibet meine Freude' by Jeff Manookian, Concert Paraphrase on Gershwin's 'I Loves You Porgy' by Jeff Manookian — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.