This piece is a technical transcription/paraphrase based on Gounod's opera, showcasing Liszt's mastery of the keyboard. It is distinguished by its virtuosic treatment of operatic themes and grand, percussive textures.
At Henle 5 this is a late-intermediate piece — technically substantial, with musical demands to match. The main demands: octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension; big chords that need weight without harshness; and fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo.
Beyond that, expect sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The main challenge is maintaining rhythmic precision and clarity during the high-speed octave passages.
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.
Excelsior! (S.500) is rated Henle level 5 of 9 — late intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 6–7. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
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 Excelsior! (S.500) lasts about 8 minutes.
Excelsior! (S.500) 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 Bülow-Marsch by Franz Liszt, Elegie by Franz Liszt, Der traurige Mönch by Franz Liszt — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.