This iteration of Exultation explores the interplay of dissonant harmonies and bold rhythmic figures. It highlights Cowell's signature fusion of traditional keyboard structures with modernist sound mass concepts.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: big chords that need weight without harshness; wide stretches that reward larger hands and clever redistribution; and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
Ensure precise release of chords to avoid blurring the complex harmonic textures.
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.
Exultation is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.
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 Exultation lasts about 2 minutes.
Exultation 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 Exultation, HC 328 by Henry Cowell, Episode No.3 by Henry Cowell, Episode No.3, HC 324 by Henry Cowell — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.