Hermann Berens was a master of technical studies, and this piece functions effectively as a performance etude for agility. It features persistent light figurations that require a refined sense of balance between the hands.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; fine finger independence within the hand; and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
Beyond that, expect continuous sixteenth-note figuration that must ripple, not chatter.
Developing the ability to project a light, sparkling melody over consistent broken-chord patterns is key.
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.
Elfenspiel (Op.65) 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 Elfenspiel (Op.65) lasts about 3 minutes.
Elfenspiel (Op.65) 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 Allegro appassionato by Hermann Berens, Bolero by Hermann Berens, Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.