This work by the Brazilian composer Alexandre Levy shows strong influences from European Romanticism mixed with local flair. It is a soulful piece defined by its expressive phrasing and harmonic warmth.
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; rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Mastery of rubato and the subtle use of pedal are required to capture the nostalgic quality 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.
De mãos postas 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 De mãos postas lasts about 3 minutes.
De mãos postas 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 Andante by Alexandre Levy, Nocturne in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin, Pavane pour une infante défunte by Maurice Ravel — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.