A character piece by Marcoux that utilizes contrasting layers of sound to simulate rhythmic pulses. The writing explores subtle shifts in harmonic tension within an impressionistic framework.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own; chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; and several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level.
Achieving the independence of the two hands while maintaining an even, pulsed tone is the main technical hurdle.
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.
Entre deux battements (Op.2213) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
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 Entre deux battements (Op.2213) lasts about 4 minutes.
Entre deux battements (Op.2213) 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 Décharge astrale by Jean-François Marcoux, Dialogue entre ombre et lumière by Jean-François Marcoux, Asturias (Leyenda) by Isaac Albéniz — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.