A characteristic Brazilian waltz by Ernesto Nazareth that blends classical European structures with syncopated Latin rhythms. It is famous for its infectious, sophisticated charm and harmonic warmth.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
Achieving the correct balance between the lilting waltz pulse and the syncopated melodic embellishments is vital.
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.
Exuberante 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 Exuberante lasts about 3 minutes.
Exuberante 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 Bombom by Ernesto Nazareth, Dengozo by Ernesto Nazareth, Dengoso by Ernesto Nazareth — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.