As a companion to his first etude, the second provides a contrasting set of technical challenges focused on rhythmic articulation. It balances pedagogical necessity with a lighthearted, salon-style charm.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. 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 fine finger independence within the hand.
Consistency in the touch and rhythm throughout the rapid-fire passages is the main hurdle.
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 Study (Op.1 No.2) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 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 Study (Op.1 No.2) lasts about 3 minutes.
Concert Study (Op.1 No.2) 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 Concert Study by Ferenc Weisz, Concert Study by Ferenc Weisz, Rhapsody in Blue (Solo Piano) by George Gershwin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.