This is a rare, earlier version of one of Liszt's most famous melodies. It is distinct for its purer, less ornamented texture compared to the later S.172 collection.
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; careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
Beyond that, expect rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
The technical demand lies in the subtle voicing of the polyphonic lines within a limited dynamic range.
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.
Consolations (S.171a) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.
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 Consolations (S.171a) lasts about 3 minutes.
Consolations (S.171a) 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 Ave Maria d'Arcadelt by Franz Liszt, Ave Verum Corpus de Mozart by Franz Liszt, Ave Maria (Die Glocken von Rom) by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.