A challenging étude focused on the technical execution of parallel intervals, likely influenced by the pedagogical demands of the late 19th century. It features rapid finger-work and demands precise coordination between both hands.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: fine finger independence within the hand; fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others.
The main technical hurdle is achieving perfectly synchronized articulation in the simultaneous double-note passages.
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.
Etude in Double Notes (Op.117) 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 9.
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.
A typical performance of Etude in Double Notes (Op.117) lasts about 3 minutes.
Etude in Double Notes (Op.117) 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 Rhapsody in Blue (Solo Piano) by George Gershwin, Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin, Dizzy Fingers by Zez Confrey — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.