Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite

Henri HerzOp.22

RomanticObscurerondotheme-and-variations~7 min

About this piece

This is a duplicate reference to the Op. 22 work by Herz, a prime example of the Parisian salon virtuoso style. It showcases the composer's ability to decorate simple melodies with intricate, crowd-pleasing runs.

What makes it challenging

At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; and a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.

Beyond that, expect careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.

Teacher notes

Ensure the cantabile melody remains the priority through the dense ornamentation.

Technical focus

ornamentationspeed-agilitycantabilepedaling

Mood

brilliantelegant

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

What to play around Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite

Similar to Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite

Comparable difficulty and character — good candidates for what to learn next.

Easier, same character

A level or two down with the same spirit — ideal if this piece is still out of reach.

The next step up

Where this piece's skills lead: slightly harder works making similar technical demands.

More Henri Herz, off the beaten path

Lesser-known works by the same hand, at a comparable level.

Browse all Henle level 5 pieces (Late intermediate) →

Frequently asked questions

How hard is Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite (Op.22) by Henri Herz?

Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite (Op.22) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.

What level do I need to play Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite?

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.

How long is Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite?

A typical performance of Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite (Op.22) lasts about 7 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite?

Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite (Op.22) is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favorite?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Divertissement brillant No.2 sur une cavatine favori by Henri Herz, Divertimento No.1 by Henri Herz, Californienne by Henri Herz — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.