Identical to the previous entry, this is a central example of Smetana’s piano output which emphasizes technical fluency and structural clarity. It serves as a bridge between simple technical studies and full-scale concert repertoire.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; fine finger independence within the hand; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Ensure the rhythmic pulse remains steady while navigating the demanding scalar transitions.
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.
Concert etude in C major is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 9.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 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 Concert etude in C major lasts about 4 minutes.
Concert etude in C major 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 Fantaisie-Impromptu in C-sharp minor by Frédéric Chopin, Rondo capriccioso in E major by Felix Mendelssohn, Rondo a capriccio in G major by Ludwig van Beethoven — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.