The second version (S.309bis) is a slightly more harmonically adventurous take on Liszt's first setting. It features more idiomatic, refined piano writing that allows for a greater degree of expressive rubato.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others; and careful pedaling — clarity depends on the foot as much as the fingers.
Beyond that, expect several simultaneous layers, each needing its own dynamic level, and rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
The performer must focus on the subtle color shifts in the accompaniment while maintaining the integrity of the main melody.
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.
Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam II (S.309bis) 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.
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 Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam II (S.309bis) lasts about 3 minutes.
Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam II (S.309bis) 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 Elegy No.1 by Franz Liszt, Ein Fichtenbaum steht einsam by Franz Liszt, Die Lorelei by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.