Liszt's transcription of themes from the incidental music to Shakespeare's play is a masterclass in textures, varying from delicate staccato passages to grand, orchestral-like sonorities. It is distinct for its magical, fairy-like brilliance and intricate finger-work.
At Henle 9 this is among the most demanding works in the piano literature. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece; and several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level.
Beyond that, expect rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse, and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
At roughly 12 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The performer must maintain extremely light, precise articulation to capture the ethereal character of the scherzo-like themes.
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.
Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.
Concert Paraphrase on Mendelssohn's 'Sommernachtstraum' (S.410) is rated Henle level 9 of 9 — virtuoso repertoire, roughly concert / virtuoso level. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 9 — meaning you can already play level 8–9 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 Paraphrase on Mendelssohn's 'Sommernachtstraum' (S.410) lasts about 12 minutes.
Concert Paraphrase on Mendelssohn's 'Sommernachtstraum' (S.410) 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 Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in C-sharp minor by Franz Liszt, Capriccio alla turca sur des motifs de Beethoven by Franz Liszt, Capriccio alla turca on Ruins of Athens by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.