Written by the writer and music critic Ferdinand Pfohl, this piece draws heavily on the style of Lisztian transcriptions. It creates a vivid theatrical atmosphere through grand gestures and sweeping melodies.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. 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 rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
Focus on achieving a full, orchestral sound and managing the rubato necessary for the waltz character.
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.
Eine Balletszene (Op.12) is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.
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 Eine Balletszene (Op.12) lasts about 5 minutes.
Eine Balletszene (Op.12) 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 El Dorado by Homer Newton Bartlett, 'S Wonderful by George Gershwin, Waltz No. 2 by Dmitri Shostakovich — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.