Esaltato is a vigorous contemporary piece characterized by sudden shifts in dynamic intensity. Its technical demands center on rhythmic precision and percussive articulation.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect fine finger independence within the hand.
Ensure the rhythmic pulses are sharp and precise during the rapid shifts in dynamic levels.
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.
Esaltato 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 Esaltato lasts about 3 minutes.
Esaltato 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 Drei Alleingänge by Stefan Thomas, Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin, Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.