Jean Henri Ravina was a prominent pianist-composer whose works were staples in Paris salon culture. This piece demonstrates his command of lush, chordal textures and melodic grace.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Beyond that, expect a left hand with real melodic or rhythmic responsibility of its own.
The primary challenge is achieving a seamless, legato projection of the melody over shifting arpeggiated figures.
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.
Divertissement No.2 (Op.16) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 5.
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 Divertissement No.2 (Op.16) lasts about 3 minutes.
Divertissement No.2 (Op.16) 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 Confidence by Jean Henri Ravina, Calinerie by Jean Henri Ravina, Allegro classique by Jean Henri Ravina — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.