Based on themes from Bellini's 'Norma', this fantasy is a prime example of the salon-style transcription. It prioritizes expressive melodic lines supported by brilliant, flowing keyboard textures.
At Henle 6 this is an advanced piece that assumes fluent technique and rewards mature interpretation. The main demands: a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment; ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in; and sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions.
Beyond that, expect rubato that must breathe naturally without losing the pulse.
At roughly 8 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
Careful attention must be paid to the voicing of the melody against the harmonic undercurrents throughout the piece.
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 'Norma' (Op.65) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 7.
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 on 'Norma' (Op.65) lasts about 8 minutes.
Fantaisie brillante on 'Norma' (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 Fantaisie brilliante on 'La Sonnambula' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie brilliante sur 'La sonnambula' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie brillante on Mozart's 'Don Juan' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.