Alfredo Romeu was a 19th-century composer whose works often served the salon music tradition in Latin America. This waltz displays virtuosic flair through rapid arpeggio patterns and a bright, energetic character.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Ensure the rapid right-hand arpeggios remain clean and well-integrated into the waltz tempo.
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.
Electric vals (Op.14) 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 Electric vals (Op.14) lasts about 3 minutes.
Electric vals (Op.14) 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 Dance des papillons by Alfredo Romeu, Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, 'S Wonderful by George Gershwin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.