This is a contemporary fugue written in a neo-classical style. Its distinctiveness lies in the juxtaposition of traditional contrapuntal architecture with modern harmonic sensibilities.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: independent voices that must each sing on their own line; fine finger independence within the hand; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others, and several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level.
The primary challenge is maintaining clear voice leading while navigating modern chromatic inflections.
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.
Ein Fugue 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 Ein Fugue lasts about 3 minutes.
Ein Fugue 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, P.41 by Johann Pachelbel, Bourrée h-Moll by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach, Capriccio cromatico by Tarquinio Merula — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.