This fantasy captures the wit and charm of Rossini's famous opera through a series of demanding, technically charged variations on the work's most iconic themes. It stands as a prime example of the 19th-century operatic fantasy intended to delight salon audiences.
At Henle 7 this is a late-advanced work — the technical demands are serious and sustained. The main demands: fast passage work that stays light and even at tempo; octave passages that demand a relaxed wrist to avoid tension; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in, and precise articulation — the difference between crisp and blurred is the piece.
At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The technical challenge lies in the execution of rapid, crisp articulation and high-register runs that characterize the Rossinian style.
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 on 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' (Op.87) is rated Henle level 7 of 9 — late advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grade 8 and above. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 10.
You should be comfortable at Henle level 7 — meaning you can already play level 6–7 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 on 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' (Op.87) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie Brillante on 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' (Op.87) 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 on 'Orphée aux Enfers' No.2 by Sydney Smith, Don Giovanni, Grand Fantaisie by Sydney Smith, Fantaisie Brillante on 'Orphée aux Enfers' No.1 by Sydney Smith — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.