Andrea Maria Ottavini's Distances I is a complex work utilizing the full range of the keyboard to explore contrasting registers. It is highly idiosyncratic, relying on contemporary harmonic languages that challenge the listener's ear.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: wide stretches that reward larger hands and clever redistribution; several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Beyond that, expect sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
Develop the physical extension required for wide-span chordal leaps while maintaining a clear melodic voice.
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.
Distances I is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 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 Distances I lasts about 5 minutes.
Distances I 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 Dark Moonlight: Nocturne-fantasie by Andrea Maria Ottavini, Dark Moonlight by Andrea Maria Ottavini, Allegro barbaro, Sz.49 by Béla Bartók — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.