Jean Henri Ravina was a prominent 19th-century pianist and composer who wrote numerous salon miniatures. This piece exemplifies the refined, light-hearted style popular in the Parisian salons of his era.
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; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and fine finger independence within the hand.
Beyond that, expect careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Maintain an even, flowing pulse while ensuring the melody in the right hand is clearly voiced.
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.
Confidence is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 4.
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 Confidence lasts about 3 minutes.
Confidence 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 Allegro classique by Jean Henri Ravina, Bergerie op.48 by Jean Henri Ravina, Ballade by Jean Henri Ravina — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.