This transcription of Verdi's opera themes is a dense, technically demanding work. It captures the theatrical energy of the original score through thick piano textures and vigorous rhythmic drive.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; big chords that need weight without harshness; and octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension.
Beyond that, expect chord voicing — bringing out one note inside a handful of others, and sharp dynamic and character contrasts held together in one arc.
At roughly 10 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
Success in this piece requires endurance and the ability to manage complex, layered textures while maintaining tempo.
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.
Fantaisie brillante 'I Lombardi' (Op.115) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 6 — meaning you can already play level 5–6 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 Fantaisie brillante 'I Lombardi' (Op.115) lasts about 10 minutes.
Fantaisie brillante 'I Lombardi' (Op.115) 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 Fantaisie brillante 'Le Freischütz' by Charles Voss, Fantaisie brillante sur 'Le Freischütz' by Charles Voss, Fantaisie brillante 'Les Huguenots' by Charles Voss — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.