A contemporary solo piano divertissement written by a modern composer maintaining neoclassical aesthetic principles. It is marked by precise rhythmic contours and a balanced formal structure.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: fine finger independence within the hand; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
Ensure precise articulation and clear, independent finger work throughout the rapid passages.
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.
Divertissement (Op. 16) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.
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.
Divertissement (Op. 16) 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 Circumstance 's march by Cyril Plante, Circumstance 's march, Op No.154 by Cyril Plante, Circumstance 's march by Cyril Plante — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.