Franz Hitz was a prolific salon composer, and this piece exemplifies the light, sentimental style prevalent in 19th-century drawing rooms. It is defined by its decorative melodic lines and focus on graceful, melodic expression.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
Focus on the balance between the melodic line and the rolling accompaniment figures.
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.
Circé (Op.239) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 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 Circé (Op.239) lasts about 4 minutes.
Circé (Op.239) 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 Ballet des ondines by Franz Hitz, Bonne nuit by Franz Hitz, Bonjour by Franz Hitz — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.