Etude de Concert

William MasonOp.9

RomanticObscureetudeE majorModerato4/4~3 min

About this piece

William Mason was an American composer who studied with Liszt, and his writing often reflects that pedagogical influence. This concert etude focuses more on expressive, flowing textures rather than pure virtuosic display.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; and continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter.

Teacher notes

The challenge is to maintain a seamless, bell-like tone in the right-hand melody while the left hand provides a supportive, rhythmic bed.

Technical focus

cantabilevoicingflowing-sixteenths

Mood

lyricaltender

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Etude de Concert

Similar to Etude de Concert

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

More William Mason, off the beaten path

Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 7 pieces (Late advanced) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Etude de Concert (Op.9) by William Mason?

Etude de Concert (Op.9) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.

What level do I need to play Etude de Concert?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Etude de Concert?

A typical performance of Etude de Concert (Op.9) lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Etude de Concert?

Etude de Concert (Op.9) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Etude de Concert?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Concert Galop by William Mason, Liebestraum No. 3 in A-flat major by Franz Liszt, Étude in E major, No. 3 by Frédéric Chopin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.