A transcription and variation set on themes from Donizetti's 'Don Pasquale', this work transforms comic operatic material into a display of pianistic agility. It maintains the essential bolero rhythm throughout its various sections.
The technical demand lies in the quick, precise finger work required for the runs based on Donizetti's melodic motifs.
Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.
Bolero sur de motifs de Don Pasquale de Donizetti (Op.81) 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 Bolero sur de motifs de Don Pasquale de Donizetti (Op.81) lasts about 6 minutes.
Bolero sur de motifs de Don Pasquale de Donizetti (Op.81) 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 Bolero sur des motifs de 'Don Pasquale' by Édouard Wolff, Barcarolle by Édouard Wolff, Bolero pour piano sur des motifs favoris de Maria di Rohan by Édouard Wolff — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.