This grand concert waltz follows the tradition of salon virtuosity popular in the late Romantic era. It utilizes extended arpeggiated patterns and lyrical melodic lines typical of showpieces from this period.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
Beyond that, expect fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo.
The primary challenge is maintaining a fluid, elegant waltz tempo while executing the rapid arpeggiation cleanly.
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.
Diana, Grand Valse de Concert is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 5 — meaning you can already play level 4–5 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 Diana, Grand Valse de Concert lasts about 6 minutes.
Diana, Grand Valse de Concert 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 Diana: Grand Valse de Concert for Pianoforte by Eduard Holst, Dance of the Demon by Eduard Holst, Demon of the Wood by Eduard Holst — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.