This modern composition explores harmonic tension and shifts in dynamic intensity. It is distinctive for its complex textures and non-traditional phrasing.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: big chords that need weight without harshness; polyrhythms that have to lock together without sounding mechanical; and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
The performer must navigate challenging voicing issues within the dense polyrhythmic sections.
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.
Divertimento for Piano (Op.70) 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 Divertimento for Piano (Op.70) lasts about 6 minutes.
Divertimento for Piano (Op.70) 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 Ciacona in D minor by Johann Pachelbel, Ciacona in D minor, P.41 by Johann Pachelbel, Ciacona in F minor, P.43 by Johann Pachelbel — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.