Anton de Kontski’s Fanny Mazurka, Op. 324, is an example of the popular mid-19th-century salon Mazurka. It employs stylized Polish dance rhythms with embellished melodic lines typical of virtuoso-salon composers.
At Henle 4 this is an intermediate piece that expects secure technique and real attention to phrasing. The main demands: rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse; a waltz lilt that needs charm and a flexible left hand; and ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in.
Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
Mastering the rhythmic accentuation on the second or third beat is critical for an authentic mazurka feel.
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.
Fanny Mazurka (Op.324) 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 Fanny Mazurka (Op.324) lasts about 4 minutes.
Fanny Mazurka (Op.324) 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 'Do love me' Waltz by Anton de Kontski, Elegantissima (Valsa Capricho) by Ernesto Nazareth, Berceuse by Rudolf Friml — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.