Goria provides a sophisticated synthesis of Bellini’s most famous operatic themes, utilizing the full range of the piano to mimic the orchestral and vocal colors of the originals. It is notable for the dramatic shifts in intensity and the challenging technical bravura required in the development sections.
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 a true singing tone, with the melody floating above the accompaniment.
Beyond that, expect ornaments that need to sound effortless, not squeezed in, and big chords that need weight without harshness.
At roughly 10 minutes, stamina and memory become part of the challenge — plan practice in sections.
Effective use of the pedal is essential to manage the large chords and sustain the long, cantabile melodic lines amidst busy passagework.
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 Norma et Sonnambula (Op.22) is rated Henle level 6 of 9 — advanced repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 7–8. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 8.
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 Norma et Sonnambula (Op.22) lasts about 10 minutes.
Fantaisie brillante sur Norma et Sonnambula (Op.22) 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 Ballade by Alexandre Édouard Goria, Fantaisie-caprice de concert sur des motifs de 'Tannhäuser' by Alexandre Édouard Goria, Fantaisie brillante sur 'La dame blanche' by Alexandre Édouard Goria — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.