Glazunov's Op. 17 Elegie is a quintessential example of Russian Romantic lyricism. It is noted for its warm, sweeping melodic writing and elegant harmonic progressions.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others, and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
The performer must master fluid arpeggiated accompaniments while projecting a clear and sustained vocal line.
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.
Elegie (Op.17) 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 Elegie (Op.17) lasts about 5 minutes.
Elegie (Op.17) 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 Berceuse by Georges Bizet, Albumblatt für Frau Betty Schott by Wilhelm Richard Wagner, Berceuse sur le nom de Gabriel Fauré, M.74 by Maurice Ravel — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.