This piece is a grand operatic fantasy based on themes from Donizetti's Anna Bolena. It follows the traditional structure of a slow operatic introduction followed by a rapid, technically demanding showpiece.
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; sweeping arpeggio figures that must stay smooth across positions; and ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in.
Beyond that, expect a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment, and wide stretches that reward larger hands and clever redistribution.
At roughly 9 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
The performer must master wide-span arpeggios that require careful pedaling to avoid muddiness.
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 sur 'Anna Bolena' (Op.100) 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 sur 'Anna Bolena' (Op.100) lasts about 9 minutes.
Fantaisie brillante sur 'Anna Bolena' (Op.100) 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 Verdi's 'Rigoletto' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach, Fantaisie brilliante on 'Norma' by Ignace Xavier Joseph Leybach — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.