Der Zeit Widerschein is a highly chromatic and introspective work by the Soviet composer Anatoly Aleksandrov. It is distinctive for its complex harmonic language and dense, shifting textures.
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; several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level; and fine finger independence within the hand.
Beyond that, expect careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
The primary challenge lies in voicing the intricate inner lines against the shifting harmonic backdrop.
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.
Der Zeit wiederschein (Op.28) 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 Der Zeit wiederschein (Op.28) lasts about 4 minutes.
Der Zeit wiederschein (Op.28) 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 Der Zeiten Widerschein by Anatoly Aleksandrov, Clair de lune - piano by Claude Debussy, Intermezzo in A major, No. 2 by Johannes Brahms — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.