This version of Disconsolate is a reflective contemporary piece exploring dissonant harmonies and slow-moving textures. It emphasizes expressive nuance over traditional virtuosity.
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.
Students must focus on managing long pedal sustains to maintain clear harmonic colors throughout the piece.
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.
Disconsolate (January 2013 Version) 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 Disconsolate (January 2013 Version) lasts about 5 minutes.
Disconsolate (January 2013 Version) 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 Disconsolate by Clyde Thomas Rollins, Gymnopédie No. 1 by Erik Satie, Gymnopédie No. 2 by Erik Satie — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.