A technically demanding operatic fantasia based on Donizetti. It effectively captures the high drama of the original score through dense keyboard writing.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension; sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc; and fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo.
Beyond that, expect sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Mastering the dramatic, rapid octave passages and large chords is vital for this work.
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 sur Maria di Rohan (Op.92) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 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 sur Maria di Rohan (Op.92) lasts about 7 minutes.
Divertissement sur Maria di Rohan (Op.92) 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 Ballade No.2 by Édouard Wolff, 2 Impromptus brillants sur La part du diable by Édouard Wolff, Divertissement Brillant by Édouard Wolff — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.