Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï

Emmanuel Rhené-BatonOp.37

ImpressionistObscuremarchLento4/4~5 min

About this piece

This is the same composition as the previous entry, reflecting the composer's use of his hyphenated name. It remains a sophisticated piece that demands a mature sense of color and harmonic balance.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers; chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.

Beyond that, expect big chords that need weight without harshness.

Teacher notes

Focus on the weight and decay of the low-register chords to properly convey the funereal intensity.

Technical focus

pedalingvoicingdramatic-contrastlarge-chords

Mood

melancholicatmosphericmysterious

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï

Similar to Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï

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 7 pieces (Late advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï (Op.37) by Emmanuel Rhené-Baton?

Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï (Op.37) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.

What level do I need to play Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï?

A typical performance of Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï (Op.37) lasts about 5 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï?

Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï (Op.37) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Cortège funèbre d’un Samouraï?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Ballade No.2 by Emmanuel Rhené-Baton, Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albéniz, Berceuse élégiaque, BV 252a by Ferruccio Busoni — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.